BARCELONA chiefs are set to meet Olympiacos officials on Monday to discuss a potential deal for Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti, reports suggest.
Umtiti has fallen out of favour at Barca, who are full at centre-back as they have Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique, who has also been linked with a departure.
Barcelona ace Samuel Umtiti has been linked with a move to Olympiacos
Barcelona will hold talks with Olympiacos on Monday about Samuel Umtiti
The Blaugrana have been trying to offload the France international, who has been a long-term Gunners target, ever since last year but his injury history as well as his wages have posed as a stumbling block.
According to ESPN’s Moil Lorens, the Catalan giants will hold talks with Olympiacos early next week to discuss a potential deal that would see the 28-year-old moving away from the Nou Camp.
However, the Greek champions are interested in a season-long loan for Umtiti, whose Barcelona deal runs out in 2026.
The Frenchman’s salary will also be a hot topic, even though his contract renewal last January has seen his wages being spread over more years and making him more affordable.
Rennes showed interest earlier this summer but negotiations with Barcelona fell through.
Olympiacos could offer Umtiti regular football as they are in need of reinforcement at centre-back.
The Piraeus outfit are likely to lose star defender Pape Abou Cisse, who was previously linked with a move to the Premier League, this summer.
They also need to add more youth with the likes of Avraam Papadopoulos and former Arsenal ace Sokratis Papastathopoulos at a senior age.
Umtiti was left out of Barcelona’s pre-season squad by manager Xavi along with Martin Braithwaite, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig and Neto
The Frenchman joined Barca from Lyon in 2016 and has since amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 133 appearances.
