Samuel Umtiti has insisted he’s going nowhere this summer, and he plans to remain with FC Barcelona next season.

Real Sociedad v FC Barcelona La Liga 1547992976
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Samuel Umtiti of FC Barcelona (R) being followed by Ruben Pardo of Real Sociedad (L) during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Estadio Anoeta on September 15, 2018, in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Umtiti was linked with a move to Arsenal last month, before the Europa League final, when such a transfer wasn’t such a ridiculous possibility.

The Gunners’ summer budget could still have risen significantly with a win in Baku, and Unai Emery could’ve offered regular top-level football to a centre-back who is increasingly on the fringes with his current club.

Plus, the 25-year-old is close friends with Alexandre Lacazette, who could’ve put in a good word.

At this stage, however, Arsenal don’t have €40m to spend on just one player, which is reportedly what Barcelona were asking for. They also don’t really have the draw to convince Umtiti even if they could afford him.

Umtiti spoke to RTL France this week to put the final nail in the coffin for a potential summer transfer.

“I have a contract, I feel happy in Barcelona,” Umtiti said (via Metro). “I had a complicated season, but I will still be at Barcelona next season.”

That’s that then. This deal died on May 29th, but it’s nice to get confirmation so we can put the rumours to bed. At least until next week when everybody has forgotten these quotes and a new outlet digs the story up again.