Manchester United and Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti could leave the Catalan club for free, according to reports. The 26-year-old defender could see his deal, which runs until 2023, ripped us as Blaugrana consider letting him leave for nothing. Samuel has slipped behind countryman Clement Lenglet in the Blaugrana’s pecking order.
Persistent injuries have hampered his progress at Barcelona. Umtiti managed only 13 LaLiga games last campaign as Blaugrana surrendered the league title to El Clasico rivals Real Madrid. France international also tested positive for covid-19 before the club’s 8-2 UCL humiliation at the hands of the Bavarians last month.
And now is the latest footballer to be cast aside by new Blaugrana coach Ronald Koeman. The Dutch boss has already offloaded Ivan Rakitic and told Luis Suarez and Arturo Vidal they are not in his future plans. Ivan took a huge pay-cut to rejoin Sevilla while Bianconeri are poised to sign Suarez IF he passes an Italian language test.
And the French centre-back could also be shown the exit door with several PL clubs interested. Man United reportedly received the green light to sign the World Cup winner earlier this year as the Norwegian manager bids to find a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
It was recently suggested Samuel’s availability could spark a three-way tussle between Arsenal, West Ham and Everton. And the report from Spain states there is talk he could be offered up to old side Lyon as a ploy to lure former Red Devils flop Memphis Depay to Barcelona.
Samuel joined the Blaugrana from Lyon in 2016 and signed a deal extension with Barcelona in 2018 that runs until 2023 and has a €500m buyout clause.
