Clement Lenglet to Barcelona, closer than ever
Sevilla met the player's agents to try and get him to renew, but it was not a successful meeting
FC Barcelona aren’t wasting time when it comes to planning for next season. As well as sealing a deal for Arthur - the only thing left to do is decide when he arrives, now or in January 2019 - and waiting for Antoine Griezmann’s final decision, Barca’s objective is to sign a defender and Sevilla’s Clement Lenglet is the main target.
Barcelona have been working for months to sign one of the revelations of the Spanish season. Lenglet has played at all youth levels for France and is close to becoming a Barcelona player.
On Wednesday, representatives of the company in charge of the player (Walsserman), met with Sevilla again, who have offered him a big contract renewal.
That did not have desired effect, with the French footballer on holiday and leaving the matter in the hands of his agents, believing that the negotiations with Barcelona will end in success.
Barca’s position is to negotiate the payment to Sevilla. They are willing to pay a little more than 30 million euros if there are good conditions, like making the payments in various stages.
Barcelona aren’t worried because they already have a ‘yes’ from the player, and everything will be sealed if they pay his release clause, but the ideal for Barcelona is to fix the deal in June. Various Barca players not going to the World Cup will start training in mid July, and Barca want to tie up the squad as soon as possible.
Umtiti, por buen camino
Lenglet’s arrival is compatible with Samuel Umtiti staying. Conversations with the French defender are going well and both him and Barca think he will stay. Both will come down from their initial stances and demands.
Lenglet’s signing would give Barcelona a great defensive core, with Pique and Umtiti, while Vermaelen would be the fourth and although we’re yet to see what will happen with Yerry Mina, he’ll likely leave if Lenglet comes.
