MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been dealt a transfer blow with the news Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti would rather move back to Lyon than the Premier League.
The Frenchman has only made three appearances in La Liga this season due to injuries and the signing of Clément Lenglet from Sevilla last year.
Arsenal had hoped to bolster their back-line with the signing of UmtitiCredit: Rex Features
Both United and Arsenal, who were linked with a move for Umtiti earlier in the year, will be busy over the next two transfer windows, but it appears that Umtiti would be open to a return to Lyon after leaving for the Camp Nou in 2016.
According to Spanish publication Sport, he said: “I’d like to be a coach. I take notes from those I’ve worked under, their training sessions and what they do.
“Returning to Lyon is a possibility, as a player or as a coach.”
Umtiti began his career at Lyon, where he attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs, and completed a £25million transfer three years ago.
The first-choice pairing of Gerard Pique and Lenglet means playing time has been limited for the 26-year-old.
Speaking about a potential move back in September, Umtiti said: “Honestly, I don’t know where this rumour with Arsenal came from.
“Overnight, I received messages from my friends saying, ‘Ah, so you are joining Arsenal?’ I’m not, I’m sorry but I’m staying at Barcelona.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to improve his inconsistent side and after hauling off Phil Jones at half time of their 3-3 draw with Sheffield United, the United boss will be keen to add to his defence.
The situation is even worse at Arsenal as they continue to disappoint under Unai Emery.
The Spaniard decided to play five defenders in their draw with struggling Southampton on Saturday and the fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the way their side has been performing this season.
Unai Emery ‘understands the supporters’, telling press he is ‘disappointed’ & ‘frustrated’ after Arsenal draw at home with Southampton
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
