Tottenham’s hopes of signing Clement Lenglet have been boosted after AS Roma cooled their interest, as Barcelona are desperate to see the defender leave.
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by SPORT, Tottenham could become the favourites to sign Clement Lenglet this summer, with a loan deal for the defender likely to become a strong possibility. The north London side’s hopes of signing the Frenchman have been boosted after AS Roma bowed out of the chase, even as Barcelona are desperate to get his wages off their books.
Tottenham’s need for a new central defender has taken them to the shores of Barcelona, with Clement Lenglet emerging as a target. The north London side have been searching for a left-footed centre-back since the season ended and may look to sign the Frenchman on loan from Barcelona after it has become clear that their primary target, Alessandro Bastoni, will not leave Inter Milan.
The 27-year-old has immense experience, although the deal is not straightforward. The Frenchman’s high wages are proving tricky as clubs baulk at the numbers. Roma had been interested in the defender but have cooled down their pursuit after failing to come to an understanding over the finances.
Barcelona are finding it difficult to bring in new players as FFP rules hinder their progress. Hence, the Catalans are desperate to get Lenglet’s wages off their books as they look to bring in reinforcements this summer. However, high salaries are making it difficult for Barcelona to get rid of the unwanted players, as is the case with Lenglet.
With Roma bowing out of the race for Lenglet, Tottenham’s chances are boosted, as Antonio Conte remains keen to sign a central defender. The Frenchman’s experience at the highest level could be a factor leading to the interest from Spurs, as the Italian manager is keen on adding quality ahead of their season in the Champions League.
As iterated earlier, Tottenham were keen on Inter Milan star Bastoni, but the Italian star may be unachievable in this window. Hence, they shifted their focus to the 27-year-old Frenchman, with a loan deal being discussed. Barcelona, for their part, want to offload Lenglet, even if it is on loan. The centre-back does not feature in the plans of manager Xavi Hernandez and is out of favour at the club.
Barcelona are instead planning to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla, with Chelsea also in the chase. However, only after the Blaugrana offload players and clear wages will they be able to sign players like the Frenchman.
Tottenham could offer them a lifeline to Lenglet, although the north London club might want Barcelona to pay a part of his high wages. As things stand, the27-year-old is free to leave and it remains to be seen where he ends up.
