Barcelona could let Samuel Umtiti leave as a free agent after struggling to find a buyer for the defender, according to reports.
Umtiti has suffered a decline in form due to injuries over the past couple of seasons. He has long since lost his place in the Barcelona starting lineup.
Reports recently emerged claiming that Barcelona are willing to offload him on loan. The World Cup winner is not part of their plans, but they were yet to receive an offer for him.
The defender had been mentioned as a potential target for Arsenal before they signed Gabriel Magalhaes. West Ham and Leicester are also possible destinations, while Manchester United have an interest.
However, Cadena Ser now claim that no club has made an offer for Umtiti yet. Therefore, Barcelona are so keen to get his wages off the books that they could release him.
Umtiti is still under contract until 2023. But Barcelona are willing to take drastic measures with some of the players out of their plans this year – with Luis Suarez also potentially seeing his deal ripped up.
Umtiti may need financial settlement
Umtiti is willing to fight for his place, but Barcelona do not consider him a key player. Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet are their preferred options at centre-back, while they have also promoted Ronald Araujo to the first team and continue to monitor Manchester City’s Eric Garcia.
Before Barcelona can release Umtiti, though, they must first reach a financial agreement with him over the wages remaining on his contract.
The report from Cadena Ser adds that Barca are still unsure what to do with the defender due to the finances at play.
