Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti has been heavily linked to Barcelona in the past couple of weeks, but reports in Spain suggest Premier League teams are also in the race to sign the French youngster.
According to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea are long term admirers of Umititi, and have made previous attempts to sign him.
Antonio Conte is seeking defensive reinforcements, and Roman Abramovich is trying to sign Umtiti for the Italian manager, according to the Catalan claims.
Chelsea have made their intentions clear to his brother and agent, Yannick Umtiti.
The Blues could face competition from their London rivals Arsenal, who have also been following Umtiti closely in the past few months.
Mundo Deportivo say Wenger ‘perfectly controls the French market’, and is very well aware of Umtiti’s qualities.
Wenger is said to be ‘lurking’ with hi interest.
The player, however, could favour a move to Barcelona, and Mundo Deportivo believe he’s very keen on the transfer but staying quiet so as not to upset his current club and their fans.
The 22-year-old has been selected for France’s national squad for the Euros following an injury to Barcelona’s Jeremy Mathieu.
