Man Utd, Tottenham battle Arsenal for Barca defender
Manchester United and Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti, according to reports.
The French star, 26, has featured just seven times for the Catalan giants this season.
He has struggled with a foot injury and knee problems but even when available has often been overlooked by Ernesto Valverde in favour of Clement Lenglet to play alongside Gerard Pique.
And it is now thought Barca would be open to the idea of selling the centre-back, especially with 20-year-old Jean-Clair Todibo waiting in the wings to take his chance.
According to El Desmarque, the three Premier League clubs are all interested in making a move for Umtiti to bolster their back lines.
Manchester United suffered a blow with Harry Maguire tearing a hip muscle while Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are also currently unavailable for first-team action.
Spurs’ defensive woes have continued under Jose Mourinho and, with Jan Vertonghen out of contract in the summer, a new centre-back will surely be high on the Special One’s wishlist.
And Arsenal continue to struggle at the back – not helped by the long-term injury which has ruled Calum Chambers out until next season.
It is thought Umtiti’s game would be well-suited to the Premier League, where he would have plenty of compatriots to help settle him in, such as Paul Pogba, Moussa Sissoko and Alexandre Lacazette.
Samuel Umtiti is 'targeted by English clubs' with Man United, Arsenal and Spurs all interested https://t.co/4SBQ9tMZGa pic.twitter.com/wQyNpLmvW5
— The Gunners News (@GunnersNews2019) January 9, 2020
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And his World Cup-winning experience, as well as the two La Liga titles he has won at the Nou Camp, would be a valuable addition to all three sides.
Umtiti excited Arsenal fans on New Year’s Day, with many believing he would be joining the Gunners.
He was at the Emirates for the clash with Manchester United and uploaded a post to Instagram, letting his 6.6m followers be teased.