Two days ago, the Daily Mail in England reported that Barcelona would consider selling Samuel Umtiti to Manchester United, if it boosts their chances of landing Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt.
Similar had already been reported in Spain.
The English claims been picked up in Wednesday’s edition of Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, and they bring Arsenal in.
Umtiti was reportedly on Manchester United’s radar last summer when he had a release clause of €60m, but he ended the speculation by signing a new deal with the Spanish champions.
The France international has struggled with injuries this season and is now third choice centre-back for Ernesto Valverde – behind Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet – something new for him.
It was Raul Sanllehi who helped the La Liga winners sign the World Cup winner from Lyon and the executive left Barcelona for the Gunners in 2017.
Mundo claims clubs are aware the Blaugrana will need funds to sign De Ligt, which is why Umtiti’s situation is attracting interest.
At Old Trafford, they are ‘attentive’ of the centre-back’s situation with Barcelona, while Arsenal view him as ‘approachable’.
The 25-year-old’s performances and fitness until the end of the season will have a big impact on his future.
