Barcelona are increasingly confident that Samuel Umtiti will leave the club this summer, according to Sport, amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool in a potential transfer.
The La Liga giants will inform Umtiti that he must leave the Camp Nou at all costs during the current window. They have respected his wish to find a club of his choosing, but the France defender has so far failed to secure a move to a side that can offer all of his requirements.
Barcelona were scheduled to speak with Umtiti on Tuesday night, when they would state outright that he must leave. Ronald Koeman does not envisage relying on the centre-half next term, despite offering him regular minutes in pre-season.
Barcelona are confident that Umtiti’s summer showings will now help them to offload the €4m-a-year (£66k-p/w) defender. The Catalan outfit feared suitors would run scared if he struggled to maintain his fitness following a persistent knee injury.
But Umtiti’s knee responded well to his pre-season minutes and could now leave Barcelona, with Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested. The Express claimed in April the Premier League rivals are paying close attention to his situation in Spain.
Barcelona also believe Umtiti will be more receptive to taking on a new challenge after proving his fitness this summer. Sport had reported recently that the former Lyon enforcer would only leave for a club where he will play regularly and can challenge for silverware.
Arsenal or Liverpool can sign ‘incredible’ player in Barcelona defender Umtiti
Arsenal and Liverpool both suffered with issues defensively last season that a fully-fit Umtiti could solve if signed from Barcelona. The Gunners’ backline was often chaotic, and issues have continued this summer despite the £50m arrival of Ben White.
Liverpool, meanwhile, suffered a raft of injuries that forced Jurgen Klopp to field midfielders in central defence to plug the gaps. Injuries also impacted Umtiti with his knee frequently an issue, but he has proven to be readily available this summer.
And as Barcelona have told Umtiti to go, he could be a solid option for Arsenal or Liverpool. France boss Didier Deschamps has been full of praise for the €25m (£21.5m) defender in the past. He noted, via Sport: “There are 30-year-old players that are not [as] mature as Sam, at 22, already is. That is incredible. His quality and mental strength are enormous.”
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