The summer transfer window is on the horizon and Arsenal may have the chance to hand Chelsea a significant blow in what could be a crucial period for both clubs.
Thomas Tuchel is facing a busy season with a number of positions in need of reinforcements. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen's departures on free transfers have already been confirmed for the summer with the duo set to join Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
In midfield, both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho are entering the final years of their contracts while doubts remain over Romelu Lukaku's status at Stamford Bridge going forward. Prospective owner Todd Boehly is set to face a baptism of fire in west London.
READ MORE: Arsenal accidentally drop William Saliba hint as new home kit unveiled ahead of Everton clash
Arsenal are also set for a busy summer. Mikel Arteta has led the Gunners back into European football with a spot in next season's Champions League still a slim possibility. As a result a larger squad will be needed to deal with the added demands of extra games.
One player the Gunners could sign is Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti. The World Cup winner has been offered to Arsenal as the La Liga giants continue try and trim their wage bill ahead of their own summer business. While it is a transfer that may not immediately excite Arsenal fans, it is a move that could hand a blow to their London rivals.
While Christensen is already set to leave for Barcelona, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have also been targeted by Xavi. Chelsea already have plenty of work to do on their defence this summer and Tuchel and Boehly will not want to see that to-do list grow any longer than it already is.
But a report from the Daily Star, that detailed Umtiti being offered to Arsenal, also said that in order to carry out their desire business, Barcelona need to sell the 28-year-old. It is therefore a distinct possibility that if Arteta and Edu decide to move for Umtiti, it could allow the Catalan side to continue their raid of Chelsea.
