Chelsea, Arsenal receive boost in signing Barcelona defender

Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly received a boost in signing Samuel Umtiti from Barcelona during the next transfer window.

The Frenchman has struggled with persistent injury concerns over the past 18 months and this has reduced his gametime with the Blaugrana.

Of course, he has earned more games under new boss Quique Setien but Marca claims that the centre-back has failed to win over the Blaugrana hierarchy.

The same outlet suggests that he could possibly head to the Premier League during the summer with Chelsea and Arsenal said to be long-term admirers of his services.

A return to Lyon has also been mooted for the World Cup winner but it is unclear whether any of the interested clubs will meet the £36m price tag set by the Blaugrana.

Umtiti has more than three years remaining in his existing deal with the Catalan giants. He has made only 12 starts in the league and European games combined this term amid competition from Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.