Operation Lautaro Martinez: Barcelona value Umtiti at 30 million euros
Barça would like to include the defender as a makeweight in the deal
The poker game between Barcelona and Inter Milan continues. Right now, both parties are convinced there will be an agreement for striker Lautaro Martinez to move to Camp Nou, even though talks are ongoing.
Barça have made signing Lautaro their priority but the club's finances are in their best moment. To push through the operation, Barça have valued Samuel Umtiti at 30 million euros, a generous pricing that would kill three birds with one stone.
Inter like Umtiti -- while they don't urgently need a left-sided centre-back, Godin has turned 34 now -- and could be prepared to pay him what he wants. Part of the money 'saved' on the 'transfer' would go towards the player. Barça feel 30 million is fair for a 26-year-old World Cup winner. He joined the club from Lyon for 25 million in 2016 and has almost been paid off. It would also take a hefty salary of Barça's wage bill -- which is very necessary right now.
However, negotiations between Inter and Umtiti are non-existent. The player's not received a call from Milan, but Barça have told his people they will listen to offers for him.
As SPORT revealed, Umtiti's intention is to stay, but the pressure is increasing all the time to accept one of the offers that is likely to arrive this summer. The defender may prefer England, where Arsenal and Manchester United have shown an interest in him. The fact there are more Frenchmen at both teams could play a part.
In any case, Umtiti is currently recovering from a calf injury and hopes to be fit for the return of La Liga. He's confident he will continue to feature regularly under Setien, as he has done so far. Later, there will be time to sit down and assess the options.
