Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Samuel Umtiti Rumours

Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan has reportedly been told to make a decision this week over his long-term future, with Arsenal linked with a move for the playmaker.

That’s according to a report from Bild (h/t Uche Amako of the Daily Express), who have included a quote from Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc in which it’s stated “we will make a decision this week” when it comes to the 27-year-old. It’s also suggested Mkhitaryan could be tempted by a move to the Premier League with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all linked.

The Armenia international could be available for a knockdown price, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season. Here is a look at why getting him on board would be a huge boost for the Gunners:

Mkhitaryan enjoyed a tremendous 2015-16, putting to rest any doubts he didn’t have what it takes to thrive in the German top flight.

Stationed on the right flank for BVB, his movement inside was so elusive, meaning he could carve out spaces in packed defences and open up passing avenues for his team-mates.

Mkhitaryan showed a lot of variety in possession as well, confident either dribbling at opponents or, when given space, able to thread balls into dangerous areas.

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He also showed that he can be effective in a defensive capacity too. As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, Mkhitaryan has a steel to match his stylish playmaking:

For Arsenal he’d potentially be a perfect acquisition and an ideal player to fill what has been something of a problem position on the right flank. The Dortmund man blends the talents of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, meaning he’d bring some vital variety to the Gunners' play in the final third of the pitch.

Dortmund encouraging him to make a decision is understandable. With Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan already departed, the club will not want another transfer saga hanging over them for the rest of the summer. The longer this one drags out, the more testing it’ll be to find a replacement for their star man.

Arsenal in for Samuel Umtiti

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According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness) Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, who has also been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona.

It’s stated in the piece that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger “perfectly controls the French market” and is a fan of the 22-year-old’s quality.

The player is said to be tempted by the chance to join Barcelona and, while Chelsea are making moves to land the defender, the Gunners are reported to be “lurking” in pursuit.

Here is a look at the type of qualities Umtiti would bring to the Emirates Stadium if Arsenal were to secure him:

The centre-back positions are an area in which the Arsenal boss could do with some new faces. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny are a steady partnership, while Gabriel Paulista has proved to be decent back-up during his time at the club. However, another emerging, talented player who can push for a starting spot would be a boost.

Umtiti certainly ticks a lot of those boxes and emerged as an elegant, dynamic centre-back during the 2015-16 campaign. Now he’s part of France’s squad for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and European football expert Andy Brassell has been impressed with him:

After landing Granit Xhaka in an attempt to solve the club’s long-term problem in the middle of midfield, Umtiti would be another step in the right direction for Arsenal.

Wenger’s teams have always excelled in their technical play but lacked a physicality through their spine; the young defender can bring that coveted quality.