This Barcelona player could become world’s most expensive defender as top Premier League clubs want him

Reports emanating from Spain and England have it that Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti could become the world’s most expensive defender in January.

The world cup winner is being tracked by numerous Premier League clubs and the Catalans are not sure if they can prevent him from leaving Camp Nou this month.

In preparation for the Frenchman’s departure, the La Liga giants are said to have submitted an offer for Alavez defender Guillermo Marian.

The Chilean international is a prime target for Serie A side Roma but Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde believes his team stand a better chance of capturing Marian’s services as he wants him as Umtiti’s replacement.

As for Umtiti, the Daily Mirror claim that Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool a

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Umtiti was heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the summer but a desperate Mourinho — who was eventually sacked by the club last month — couldn’t convince his employer to get the Frenchman.

Considering the huge demands for the player’s services, it is understood that Barcelona have placed a mammoth price tag on the player’s signature.

Of all the reported suitors, Emery and Solskjaer’s team should be more eager to capture his signature due to their current unimpressive record at the back of the pitch.

The Gunners have conceded 31 goals in 21 League games while United have allowed 32 goals after playing the same number of games as the North London club.

Liverpool, City and Chelsea are defensively doing fine at the moment and i see no reason why they are interested in Umtiti midway into the season.