Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann has long been a priority target for Barcelona this summer, but their chances of signing the French international ended after the forward confirmed he will continue at the Spanish capital club.
The La Liga winners will now focus on strengthening other areas in the squad this transfer window. Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet is another player who has been on the Camp Nou outfit’s radar for the past few months.
Catalan newspaper Sport claims Lenglet is set to become Barcelona’s first signing of the summer. The player has already said ‘yes’ to join Ernesto Valverde’s side after having reservations before accepting Barca’s offer.
Lenglet will turn 23 years of age on Sunday and was worried about playing time at Barcelona and how it would impact his development. Barca already have the services of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti as the two first choice centre-backs at the club, with Thomas Vermaelen, and Yerry Mina as back-up.
However, Sport say the Sevilla defender has now decided to join the Spanish champions and there is no mention as to why there has been a change of heart.Lenglet has a €30m release clause in his contract. Barcelona will a pay a fee higher than his buyout clause, so that they can pay the transfer fee in instalments. The club will ‘run the operation’ on July 1st.
Sport sound confident, and say Lenglet will be ‘first to sign’ for Barca this summer.
