SAMUEL UMTITI reportedly turned down a move to Arsenal this month as he wants to fight for his spot with Barcelona.
The France international emerged as a top target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looked to bolster his injury-struck defence.
According to La Parisien, Barcelona were willing to sell the out-of-favour 26-year-old for the right price.
But Umtiti rejected a switch to Arsenal in order to battle for his spot in Quique Setien’s starting XI at the Nou Camp.
Fans thought Arsenal had sealed the deal when Umtiti jetted to London to watch the Gunners take on Manchester United.
The Frenchman shared a snap to his Instagram page as he watched the Premier League heavyweights collide at the Emirates stadium.
Manchester United and Tottenham had also been linked to Umtiti – who joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016.
The 31-cap France international attracted a wide range of interest as he has fallen down the pecking order with Barca.
Umtiti has played just seven times for the La Liga giants this season.
Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet have emerged as the preferred centre-back pairing.
Arsenal failed in their pursuit of him, but Arteta strengthened his defence by signing Portuguese right-back Cedric Soares on loan.
And the Gunners completed a 4.2million loan deal for Pablo Mari from Flamengo.
