Arsenal to beat Manchester United to the signing of World Cup winner?

Arsenal are reportedly said to hold the edge over Manchester United in the race to sign Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona at the end of the season.

The Frenchman has been tipped to part ways with the Catalan giants in the summer after losing his starting spot to Clement Lenglet this term.

According to Sport, the Blaugrana could consider the probable sale of Umtiti this summer, given they are keen to recoup funds for the signing of Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt.

Furthermore, it is added that the Frenchman could be headed to the Premier League and the Gunners could hold the advantage over the Red Devils in the player's pursuit.

Umtiti is currently valued at around £60m by the Blaugrana and such sum could hamper the Gunners' prospects of reuniting him with fellow French teammate Alexandre Lacazette in north London.

However, the club's qualification for the Champions League could significantly increase the transfer budget for the summer and thereby permit the big-money purchase of Umtiti.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the league standings with five games to play.