Arsenal manager Unai Emery has lauded Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti as a "great player".

The Gunners have been linked with a move for France international Umtiti, who has reportedly been made surplus to requirements for Barca as they look to raise funds for Ajax youngster Mattis De Ligt.

"He's a very good player," he told RMC Sport. "France has a lot of very good footballers who are playing abroad.

"The French league is a very attractive market for a lot of teams.

"I've always had French players in my teams. At Valencia, Sevilla, PSG and here at Arsenal.

"I've always been able to count on those players."