BARCELONA defender Samuel Umtiti would rather join Chelsea than Manchester United… but the Blues prefer Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes anyway, according to reports.
Prior to the suspension of the Premier League, the Blues sat in a Champions League qualification position – despite having the leakiest defence of any team in the top seven.
And boss Frank Lampard is keen to recruit a new defender to help shore things up.
According to the Daily Star, the club have made initial contact with Barcelona regarding Samuel Umtiti.
But the Frenchman is currently a back-up plan for if they fail to land Gabriel from Lille.
The coronavirus pandemic has obviously seen clubs put transfer business to one side.
The uncertainty over the season – and the finances – means that clubs are unable to properly budget for when football returns.
Nevertheless, the current mooted price of £30million for Gabriel appeals to Chelsea chiefs more than the £46million quoted for Umtiti.
At 22-years-old, the Brazilian is also four years Umtiti’s junior, which could appeal to the Blues’ youthful project.
Umtiti has largely lost his regular starting berth for the Catalan giants in recent seasons to emerging talent Clement Lenglet.
He has also suffered from a number of knee injuries, which haven’t helped his cause.
Gabriel, on the other hand, has enjoyed a breakout season with Ligue 1 side Lille – appearing 24 times as they have competed for a Champions League spot.
He was also ever-present in their matches in this season’s edition, including two appearances against Chelsea.
The West Londoners will face competition from Everton and Arsenal to land their man, however.
