Chelsea have enquired about Barcelona defender Samuel Umititi, according to reports. The Frenchman is available for €50m (£44m) and the Blues are believed to have contacted the player’s agent ahead of a possible bid.
Supporters on Twitter are sceptical about the Blues’ interest, and most would prefer the London club to steer clear of the 26-year-old:
It’s not 2017 anymore
— Ameya (@LampardsLegacy) March 31, 2020
Not a good option at all. He certainly wouldn’t be guaranteed a start in our current team. We need to only sign players who will clearly improve us, otherwise let’s just keep developing talent
— Armand van Normann (@ArmandVanNorman) March 31, 2020
NOOOOOO❌
— Kassim ChelseaHene (@10_chelseahene) March 31, 2020
Chelsea shouldn’t sign him. He has nothing special to offer now.
— OmoJesu (@OmoJesu17571957) March 31, 2020
Absolutely rubbish
— Ijedima (@OEclem) March 31, 2020
Nonsense noooo
— Golden Chelsea (@Sunny05056101) March 31, 2020
Give it a rest
— Grey (@JamesHenryGrey) March 31, 2020
Chelsea don’t need injury players
— Animashaun Rilwan (@AnimashaunRilw2) March 31, 2020
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Chelsea contacted Umtiti’s agent as it does appear they are looking for a left-sided centre-half.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Blues have made a bid for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who is also a left-footed centre-back, and it could be the case that Frank Lampard’s side looked at Umtiti before making a bid for the Brazilian instead.
In any case, a move for another centre-half this summer is likely, with Chelsea having conceded 39 goals in 29 league games this season, which is only the ninth-best defensive record in the division.