Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Barcelona over the possibility of signing defender Samuel Umtiti this summer.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their backline in the summer and have identified Umtiti as a potential target.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Emirates chief Raul Sanllehi has opened talks with Barca director of football Eric Abidal.
Umtiti was sidelined from September to February with a knee injury and has featured just twice in La Liga since his recovery.
The Frenchman only signed a fresh five-year deal at the Nou Camp last summer, with an astronomical release clause of €500million.
How Arsenal could line up against Newcastle as Unai Emery is handed boost
Barca are understood to be ready to trim their wage bill at the end of the season as they look to lure Matthijs de Ligt to the club from Ajax.
Umtiti, 25, has won La Liga and two Copas del Rey during his time with Barca.
He made his senior debut for France in 2016 and has since gone on to win 29 caps.
Umtiti started the World Cup final as France beat Croatia 4-2 in Moscow.
