Atletico Madrid are ready to bring in a left-back this summer to compensate for the loss of Mario Hermoso. Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet is expected to be that defender.
As Matteo Moretto reports, however, Atletico want to do everything they can to try to sign one of their priority targets for their backline before taking definitive steps in an agreement for the Frenchman. Those targets are Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie and Feyenoord's David Hancko, whose price has been matched by Atletico.
Theme Clément Lenglet and Atlético.
What we have said in the last few days is still valid.
Lenglet is the easiest option for the rojiblancos, who are looking for a left-footed central defender.
Villarreal knows that the footballer prefers to go to Atlético and considers him lost.
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) August 14, 2024
Once the options are excluded, Lenglet is the simplest for Los Rojiblancos, who have been negotiating with Barcelona, while trying to find an agreement on how to deal with his big salary. Villarreal, who are interested, have given up, believing that Lenglet is a lost cause.
Catalan daily Sport add that Lenglet is willing to move, and that if the negotiations with Chelsea for Joao Felix are fruitful, then that would free up space in their finances to bring Lenglet. They say Lenglet has a deal in place with Los Rojiblancos.