Tottenham looking to beat Jose Mourinho to Clement Lenglet deal as transfer deadline gives Conte an edge
Tottenham look increasingly likely to win the race to sign Clement Lenglet after reports in Spain revealed just how desperate Barcelona are to move the defender on.
The 15-times capped France defender has fallen down the pecking order at Camp Nou and is up for transfer. Having signed from Sevilla back in 2018, his contract still has four years left to run. However, with funds tight at Barcelona, he is one of nine players the club are reportedly willing to shift this summer.
Indeed, the LaLiga giants are looking to balance their books to comply with FFP regulations. To that end, Frenkie de Jong will likely be allowed to sign for Manchester United. Ousmane Dembele also looks ready to move on amid surprise talk of a move to Liverpool.
And it seems Lenglet will not be far behind them either with claims in the Spanish media outlining their willingness to move him on.
Indeed, Mundo Deportivo claims Barcelona will this week try and register free-agent signings Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen. As such, they need to free up space and finances by getting the trio off the books.
They report that there are currently two proposals on the table for table for Lenglet. And it is Tottenham and Roma, who have both made their moves for the 27-year-old.
Spurs want loan with option to buy
As per the report, Spurs’ offer for Lenglet is only a season’s loan with an option to buy.
Roma, though, are willing to discuss a permanent transfer and hope to make a concrete proposal to Barca.
However, the report claims Barcelona want negotiations concluded before Thursday. And with Jose Mourinho’s side likely to present a lowball opening bid, time may be against the Italian outfit.
As such, the article believes a move to Tottenham looks the easier to conclude.
That will represent something of a gamble for Barca, given there is no guarantee of a fee at the end of it. But there is a feeling among the Barca hierarchy that a move to the Premier League would, ultimately, lead to a higher fee.
Lenglet has made 160 appearances during his four seasons at Barcelona, scoring seven goals.
Clement Lenglet a risk-free signing for Conte
A potential move to Tottenham will come as a welcome relief for Lenglet.
The Frenchman lost his way last season, spending more time on the bench than starting games. Indeed, just seven starts in LaLiga and just two off the bench in European competition tells its own story.
There remains a very good defender in there though. Indeed, you don’t represent a very strong France national side 17 times if you don’t have something about you.
And a potential loan move to Spurs looks a risk-free option for Conte. The move will allow the Italian to see what Lenglet is about and determine whether he has what it takes to cut it in the Premier League.
A ball-playing centre-half, Clement Lenglet will suit Conte’s style. Furthermore, as a left footer, he can play on the left of his preferred three-man central defensive system.
Arsenal and Spurs want Clement Lenglet
Arsenal and Spurs are both interested in a loan deal for Barcelona's Clement Lenglet.
In addition, at 27, he should be reaching his peak and will use his time at Spurs to try and catch Didier Deschamps’ eye.
Should it not work out, Conte can always negate the option to make the move permanent.
