Arsenal 'battling Premier League rivals for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti'

Arsenal are reportedly involved in a three-way tussle with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Everton for Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti.

The France international, once considered one of the hottest defensive properties in the game, is believed to be one of 12 players Barca are looking to offload this summer.

Umtiti has struggled for form and fitness in the past couple of seasons, seeing him restricted to just 13 starts in all competitions in 2019-20.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that English clubs are queuing up to land the 26-year-old, with Arsenal hopeful of beating West Ham and Everton to his signature.

As well as facing competition from a couple of domestic rivals, the same report indicates that Marseille, Rennes and Lyon are also weighing up bids for Umtiti.

Barca may also consider a loan deal for the ex-Lyon defender in an attempt to free up wages for a new signing.