Arsenal are keeping tabs on Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, according to reports in the Catalan media.

Barca are looking to free up funds to sign Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt and are weighing up the possibility of selling the World Cup winner.

Umtiti has fallen down the pecking order at the Camp Nou following a knee problem that has caused him to miss a large part of the campaign.

There were concerns that the 25-year-old may have an issue with loose cartilage; a problem that ended Carles Puyol’s career prematurely.

The Frenchman has, though, started two matches since his return to fitness, although he was benched by Ernesto Valverde for their last league game against Real Betis.

In addition to the Gunners, Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring Umtiti’s situation, but both Premier League sides will likely have to play a waiting game until Barcelona decide whether they will offload him in order to pursue de Ligt.