Arsenal make Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti number-one target?

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti has reportedly emerged as Arsenal's priority signing this summer.

The Gunners have failed to qualify for next season's Champions League, with a fifth-placed finish coming in the Premier League table and a 4-1 defeat being suffered in the Europa League final against Chelsea.

A third season in European football's second-tier competition has resulted in calls for Unai Emery to strengthen his defence, and it appears that the Spaniard is determined to add a new centre-back to his squad.

According to the Daily Star, Umtiti has been placed at the top of Arsenal's shortlist for the transfer window, despite the club allegedly possessing a limited budget.

The French international is said to be keen to remain at Camp Nou, however, preferring to fight for his place in Ernesto Valverde's starting lineup.

The 25-year-old still has four years left on his contract with the Catalan giants.