Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Umtiti, James Maddison, Nicolas Tagliafico, Jordan Veretout

Sam’s the man for Unai

Unai Emery has been singing the praises of Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti, fuelling rumours that the Arsenal manager is looking to lure the 25-year-old Frenchman to the Emirates.

Commentators in Spain are speculating that the central defender is being edged out of the Camp Nou after falling behind Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet in the Barca pecking order – and the Daily Express claims Emery is preparing to make a bid.

Asking about the rumours during an interview with French broadcaster RMC Sport, Emery said: “He’s a very good player. I’ve always had French players in my teams. At Valencia, Sevilla, PSG and here at Arsenal. I’ve always been able to count on those players.”

Tracking Tagliafico

Another defender on Arsenal’s radar is Nicolas Tagliafico, according to The Sun.

Currently impressing for Ajax, the Argentine full-back was rock solid for the Dutch outfit in their Champions League win over Real Madrid last month. Indeed, the 25-year-old is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.

Maddison to replace Ramsey?

With time about to be called on Aaron Ramsey’s Arsenal career, the Gunners’ faithful fears that the Welshman’s departure will leave a hole in the squad.

But according to the Daily Star, Emery is poised to fill that gap by making a swoop for Leicester City’s James Maddison in the summer.

The 22-year-old has been in fine form for the Foxes this season, and his attacking instinct combined with his work ethic are just what the Gunners need in the midfield. Maddison cost Leicester £20m when they signed him from Norwich City last summer.

Arsenal eyeing up Jordan?

Metro claims that it’s not Maddison who is top of Emery’s wishlist to replace Ramsey but rather Fiorentina’s Jordan Veretout.

The 26-year-old Frenchman was first linked with a move to the Gunners in 2014, when he played for Nantes. But the midfielder joined then-Premier League outfit Aston Villa instead, a move that he soon regretted.

Since 2017, Veretout has been plying his trade with Fiorentina in Italy, and he’s matured into a key player in the Serie A side.

Emery has sent his scouts to check out Veretout, and according to Metro, Arsenal are now “considering a £25m bid for the midfielder”.