Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Samuel Umtiti and Elseid Hysaj Rumours

Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti is reportedly "inching closer" to joining Barcelona ahead of the Gunners.

According to Thomas Perotto of French outlet Le Dauphine (h/t Charles Perrin of the Daily Express), Arsenal and Chelsea "look both set to miss out on" the Lyon defender with Barca nearing a deal for him. Further, "it is thought Umtiti’s representatives were in Lyon on Friday to discuss the details of his contract."

The 22-year-old stood out in Ligue 1 last season, as WhoScored.com noted:

He is particularly powerful in the air, having won 90 of his 125 aerial duels, according to Squawka, and with an 87 per cent passing accuracy it's evident he can help play the ball out from the back. Here are some of his highlights:

After capturing Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka, Arsenal should be far more resilient in midfield than they have been in recent years, but they could use another centre-back to compete with Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel Paulista, as Per Mertesacker's lack of pace is an increasingly worrying issue.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, a new central defender is evidently on Barcelona's agenda.

Football journalist Rafael Hernandez believes Umtiti would be an excellent signing for the Catalan giants and recently reported that both parties had agreed terms ahead of a move:

Indeed, it seems as though he's set for a switch to the Camp Nou. Until the deal is done Arsenal shouldn't give up on attempting to sign him, but it would be wise for them to consider other targets as well.

The Gunners have also received a blow in their pursuit of Napoli right-back Elseid Hysaj.

According to the Daily Star Sunday's Harry Pratt, Arsenal were considering a £15 million move for him, but the 22-year-old's agent Mario Giuffredi has advised him against a move this summer. He told Radio Crc (h/t Football Italia):

"

He has to remain at Napoli for at least another year, as the Champions League enables you to become a complete player.

I consider Arsenal to be on the same level as Napoli, certainly not better. Napoli have become one of the most important clubs in Europe.

Obviously if in a year or so an offer arrives worth €30 million, then at those figures a player is generally sold. For now the player should be locked down and made happy to remain at Napoli, because then he brings benefits to the team too.

We are not asking for anything, as he is grateful to [Napoli chairman] Aurelio De Laurentiis, but certain things need to be re-evaluated because his value has changed.

He needs to be put on a par with his teammates on an economic level. We are not interested in stirring up trouble over a contract renewal, as he’ll have it at the opportune moment.

"

Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

The youngster impressed for the Partenopei with an excellent campaign. According to Squawka, he won 69 tackles, 37 headed duels and made 40 interceptions, as well as creating 26 chances.

Hysaj is playing for Albania at UEFA Euro 2016 and produced an outstanding performance against Switzerland in their opening game. Per stat man Ben Jata, he also showcased his magnificent vision:

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One of the best passes on the day for #ALB from 22-year old Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj. #SUIALB pic.twitter.com/KYa3KGdA3u

— Ben Jata (@Ben_Jata) June 11, 2016"

The full-back would provide strong competition for Hector Bellerin's position or be an excellent candidate to replace him were he to leave.

It seems he's staying in Naples for the time being, but Arsenal would do well to continue monitoring his progress.