Five defensive players Arsenal could sign in the January transfer window

Samuel Umtiti

With neither Unai Emery or interim boss Freddie Ljungberg able to find a settled centre-back formula, the Gunners may be forced to dip into the transfer market in search of some defensive stability.

If the Emirates club are to actively pursue defensive reinforcements this January, it is likely that Barcelona rock Samuel Umtiti is a target.

The Cameroon-born Frenchman joined Barcelona from boyhood club Lyon in 2016, but only made 14 league appearances last campaign due to a knee problem and has struggled to regain his place this season.

During the summer window, the Gunners were linked with a move for the 26-year-old following a tongue-in-cheek video showed Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette asking for his fellow countryman to join him at Arsenal.

Rated at £45million, Umtiti would become Arsenal’s most expensive ever defender if such a deal was agreed.