Umtiti's stay questioned after dip in form

Umtiti, 25, has been the subject of many rumours in recent weeks, with clubs such as Manchester United, PSG, Arsenal and Roma all hoping to tempt the Frenchman away from the Camp Nou. Umtiti played last night for Barcelona in the bizarre 4-4 draw, but endured a nightmare evening at La Ceramica.

He was signed from Lyon for 25 million euros in the summer of 2016, but has struggled with injuries since the World Cup, after enjoying a stellar first campaign. Now he is enduring a poor run of form, being responsible for several goals this season, including last night. In the past 4 matches, Barcelona have conceded 8 goals, an average of 2 goals a game, significantly higher than the average for the rest of the season. 

Umtiti featured in all 4 games, conceding 4 goals against Villarreal, 2 against Sevilla and one against both Rayo Vallecano and Atletico Madrid. This has reopened the case for his transfer away from the Camp Nou. With the summer transfer window on the horizon, and Barcelona needing funds for other transfers,(including that of Matthijs de Ligt) Umtiti could be on his way out. 

However, the World Cup winner does not want to leave, and would prefer to earn his way back into the starting line-up when he reaches his peak following his knee injury. Arsenal and Roma seem particularly interested in Umtiti, as both sides look to bolster their defensive options. Umtiti will have to fight with fellow Frenchman Clement Lenglet for the second starting spot alongside Gerard Pique.