Samuel Umtiti has agreed to leave Barcelona on loan during the summer transfer window, according to Sport, amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool in the France defender.
But Umtiti wants Barcelona to let him select where he plays next season to accept leaving the Camp Nou. And his desired destination could rule out a move to the Emirates Stadium, as the 27-year-old wants Champions League football.
Arsenal and Liverpool will both be paying close attention to Umtiti’s situation at Barcelona. The Express reported previously that Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp’s outfits want to sign the centre-back. Barca also want to sell their 2016 signing from Lyon, but will accept a loan.
Barcelona have been working calmly behind the scenes trying to convince Umtiti to accept a move away. The 31-cap international blocked their efforts last summer due to his desires to fight for a place under Ronald Koeman.
However, Umtiti has now accepted that he will not get regular minutes in Catalunya and needs to leave to play. Barcelona are also actively looking for suitors willing to sign the €4m-a-year (£66k-p/w) defender. But his previous refusal to go has proven problematic.
Barcelona have no offer on the table that Umtiti finds acceptable and he has rejected those that have already bid. That may include Arsenal, more than Champions League Liverpool, as the centre-half will only accept moves where Umtiti believes he can fight for silverware.
Barcelona remain hopeful that Umtiti will accept one of the three offers received in recent weeks before the La Liga season starts on August 15. They must continue to reduce their wage bill, yet he continues to be troublesome despite accepting he must leave.
Arsenal or Liverpool could sign Umtiti from Barcelona for free
Should Arsenal or Liverpool move for Umtiti, they could sign the unwanted Barcelona defender for free. That’s according to Goal, who report his Catalan giants have offered to release the centre-half from his contract.
Umtiti does not feature in Koeman’s plans, nor has he held down a starting role since joining from Lyon. Liverpool could struggle to offer Umtiti the regular minutes he desires after signing Ibrahima Konate to likely partner Virgil van Dijk, however.
Umtiti would have less competition to be a starter at Arsenal, if the Barcelona defender can stay fit, though. But Arteta would need to convince the 5 ft 11 enforcer that the Gunners will challenge for silverware next season, after failing to qualify for Europe.
Arteta could then sign a partner for Ben White who has long been hailed among the best in his position. Barcelona icon Eric Abidal once said of Arsenal and Liverpool target Umtiti, via ESPN: “He is world-class. He has a lot of qualities.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
