Quique Setien has recently brought Umtiti back into the fold at the Nou Camp after the defender had been ostracised under the old regime, and consequently he appears to be staying put.
It is a major blow to Arsenal supporters hoping they had finally found the powerful centre-back leader to improve their shaky defence, so here are four alternative options for Mikel Arteta to take a look at that can offer him the qualities he needs at the heart of the Gunners' backline.
Dayot Upamecano
There is no doubt that the RB Leipzig man should be at the top of Arteta’s wish list. The 21-year-old France international is one of the rising stars of German football and looks destined for the top of the game.
Upamecano is quick, strong, and reliable, functioning well as part of a high-pressing Leipzig team that leave a lot of space in behind. He will be able to make recovery tackles when Arsenal are exposed, as well as help organise them at set-pieces.
And at such a young age, Upamecano’s value will only go up.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Although it is possible that Arsenal would be priced out of a move for the Napoli man, Koulibaly is a real talent and the fact he is yet to make a move elsewhere could give Arteta a window to pounce.
Few defenders in Europe are as powerful as Koulibaly, who might be able to do for the Arsenal defence what Virgil van Dijk did for Liverpool.
The 28-year-old is already in his prime and therefore should be able to adapt quickly to English football, while Koulibaly is also confident on the ball.
Daniele Rugani
The talented 25-year-old was once among the most sought after defenders in Europe, but he hasn’t managed to break into the Juventus first team ahead of stiff competition including Giorgio Chiellini, Matthijs De Ligt, and Leonardo Bonucci.
He might be available at a bargain price, then, and after playing just three Serie A games this season, Rugani will probably jump at the chance to lead a Premier League defence.
However, some have questioned Rugani’s physical presence and tackling ability, although Arteta appears to favour a Pep Guardiola-esque way of playing - which means he may welcome Rugani’s focus on ball-playing over defending.
Willy Boly
The Wolverhampton Wanderers defence, which is undoubtedly among the best in the Premier League, is led by Willy Boly, alongside captain Conor Coady.
The 29-year-old Frenchman is a hugely under-rated player, but he has a lot to offer a club like Arsenal.
Boly is very good in the air, quick and capable of scoring goals too. He could certainly help a less powerful defender like Rob Holding, and with only 12 months left on his contract might be available for less than others on this list.
