Clement Lenglet: Tottenham transfer takes major leap forward as Conte gets welcome promise from Barcelona man

Clement Lenglet is one step away from sealing a move to Tottenham with the player reportedly giving Antonio Conte his word over the transfer.

The French defender has fallen down the pecking order under Xavi at Barcelona. Indeed, he featured just 27 times in all competitions during 2021/22 – many of those appearances coming off the bench. Now he is one of nine players Barcelona are willing to offload to lighten their financial load.

Still 27 and with four years left on his deal, Barcelona will have hoped to claim decent money for Lenglet. However, only two clubs have made approaches to sign him – Jose Mourinho’s Roma and Tottenham.

Roma are reported to have made an undisclosed cash bid for his signing. However, that offer appears to fall well short of Barca’s asking price, leaving Spurs in the driving seat.

Tottenham’s proposal, however, is only for an initial season’s loan, containing an option to buy. And while there is no guarantee of a cash sale for Barca, reports on Monday suggested that was the move they were favouring.

However, the player reportedly was unsure over which club to join, amid some hesitancy on the player’s behalf.

Frenchman to become fourth signing of the summer for Spurs

But claims that Spurs have issued an ultimatum in a effort to speed up proceedings, appear to have done the trick.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo and RAC1, Spurs have made significant progress in the deal.

They claim Lenglet is now ‘very close’ to leaving for Spurs with the centre-half having ‘already made his mind up’ on the move.

Furthermore, Marca reports the transfer is now ‘one step away’. In addition, the player has reportedly given Antonio Conte his word and is now ‘looking forward’ to playing in London next season.

He will now reportedly travel to London in the coming days to undergo a medical. And should he pass that, then Lenglet will likely become the fourth signing of the summer for Spurs.

Clement Lenglet signing is a risk-free move for Tottenham

While Ben Davies did well on the left side of a three-man central defence last season, the feeling was that Conte was always seeking an upgrade.

And while Lenglet may not have been the first choice for Tottenham this summer, his signing looks a welcome move. Indeed, bringing him to the club on a season’s loan with an option to buy will allow Spurs to assess the player.

Should he impress, then Spurs can take up their option to make the move permanent. Should it not go so well, Tottenham can send the player back to Catalonia.

Arsenal and Spurs want Clement Lenglet

Arsenal and Spurs are both interested in a loan deal for Barcelona's Clement Lenglet.

Efforts to land the likes of Alessandro Bastoni and Gleison Bremer are yet to bear fruit for Conte so he will welcome this signing. And while Fabio Paratici may yet look to bring in another defender, the capture of Lenglet will at least ease the pressure.

Lenglet has made 160 appearances for Barca in four seasons, scoring seven times. The 27-year-old has also been capped 15 times by France, though has fallen down Didier Deschamps’ pecking order.

Meanwhile, a deal to take Richarilson to Tottenham is closing in with Daniel Levy seeing right through Everton’s threat.