Athletic's Aymeric Laporte is waiting for Barcelona's phone call

Athletic's Aymeric Laporte is waiting for Barcelona's phone call

Aymeric Laporte, one of the defenders Barcelona have singled out as a potential target, has given the Catalan club a wink. The French player made it clear he’s flattered by Barça’s interest, even though he doesn’t know any more on the subject - but he is hopeful there is more. 

“For now I am with Athletic and I am focused on the season. Barça are the best team in the world, but for now there is nothing concrete and no-one has directly called me. I asked and I’m patiently waiting,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with football365. The intentions of his quotes are clear. 

The Athletic Club defender reiterated, for now, that everything is just rumours and that anything could happen in the coming months. “This Barça rumour appears in each market. The most recent rumour was about PSG’s interest. The journalists insist, but there’s nothing in it. 

“As for possible contact with Barça, you have to see what happens with my club because I am under contract. Athletic have never mentioned Barça’s interest to me.” 

It was reported that Laporte had ruled out a move to Barcelona a few days ago, but he quickly responded to those quotes. His agent said he had been misquoted and made sure the door for a move to Camp Nou remained firmly open. 

Laporte’s release clause is 50 million euros and Athletic have made it clear they won’t negotiate - as has regularly been the case with their most important players. 

Barça’s priority is to sign a defender in the summer and Milan’s Romagnoli is another name on the list. There are not many top level centre-backs who could improve Barcelona’s side - nor are they the only one of Europe’s top clubs looking to sign a defender.