Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti favours a move to join Chelsea this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Gunners are believed to be in the mix to sign the £45 million-rated centre-back, with Manchester United also showing an interest.
It’s Chelsea who look favourites to sign the Barcelona star, however, although they are also eyeing up Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes as a potential alternative.
Umtiti has spent four seasons at Barca but has fallen out of favour in 2019/20, also suffering from various injury problems.
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This update could act as a double blow for Arsenal, not only missing out on a formidable player but also seeing him join a direct Premier League rival.
I think bringing in a new centre-back has to be at the top of Mikel Arteta’s priorities, considering how unconvincing the Gunners have looked at the back this season, conceding 36 times already in the league this season.
The likes of David Luiz, Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi are all capable of good performances, but between them, they have all come under fire from supporters in recent months.
Umtiti, who has enjoyed an illustrious career so far, could be viewed a step up from those individuals, cementing his place in France’s World Cup-winning squad in 2018, as well as winning two La Liga titles with Barca.
