Transfer Talk: £53m French Star Ready To Snub Man Utd In Favour Of Joining Chelsea

The transfer window is closed but managers are working hard on their plans for the summer so we’ll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, Chelsea are linked with Samuel Umtiti…

Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti is ready to snub Man Utd and join Chelsea if Luis Enrique takes over at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to the Express.

Antonio Conte’s future at Chelsea has been called in to question in recent weeks as the west Londoners battle to finish in the top four following a relatively disappointing campaign.

Enrique has been touted as a potential replacement in the media and the Express are citing reports from Spain that claim the former Barca boss has told Chelsea chiefs that he wants to sign Umtiti if he takes over this summer.

The newspaper says Blues officials have told Enrique they are willing to do all they can to sign the French international as they see him as the perfect long-term replacement for David Luiz.

Umtiti has developed in to one of the most highly-rated centre-backs in European football since joining Barca from Lyon in 2016 but he’s yet to sign a new contract at the Nou Camp.

The Mirror reported earlier this month that Barca are struggling to match his demands and Man Utd are hoping to take advantage of the situation by triggering his £53m release clause this summer.

Jose Mourinho is expected to be in the market for another centre-back amid speculation that Phil Jones and Chris Smalling could be sold this summer and Umtiti is firmly on his radar.

However, United could be set for disappointment as the Express claim 24-year-old defender isn’t interested in moving to Old Trafford as he’s informed team mate Gerard Pique that he’s open to the idea of joining Chelsea instead.

READ MORE –> Man Utd transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming months but Umtiti would be a superb signing for Chelsea if they could pull it off, however, a lot needs to happen before the Frenchman will be wearing the Chelsea shirt next season.