Clement Lenglet is now considering a U-turn over his return to Tottenham Hotspur in a permanent transfer with AC Milan rivalling Spurs to sign the Barcelona centre-back.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports that AC Milan have spoken with Barcelona regarding Lenglet’s transfer over recent days. The San Siro side wanted to understand the La Liga champions’ demands for the 28-year-old. They are determined to sign a new defender.
AC Milan are the newest team to show an interest in signing Lenglet since his loan spell with Tottenham expired. Sides in Saudi Arabia have also looked to understand his availability after playing 35 times for Spurs in 2022/23. But Lenglet is refusing all offers from the Pro League.
Clement Lenglet sets his stance on a transfer to AC Milan
Lenglet is not against switching to San Siro, however, and has informed AC Milan that he will consider the transfer. The 15-cap France international is open-minded to the potential of an adventure in Serie A. It would add a new country to his CV after spells in Spain and England.
But Barcelona might thwart the switch as AC Milan consider the Blaugrana’s valuation very prohibitive. The Rossoneri feel Camp Nou chiefs set an excessive price tag during their talks in recent days. So, there is currently little chance of Lenglet going to San Siro anytime soon.
Tottenham are in talks with Barcelona over Clement Lenglet
Tottenham will relish Barcelona frustrating AC Milan but Spurs are also against matching the Blaugrana’s demand for Lenglet’s transfer. Sport reports that the Premier League club refuse to pay the €15m (£13m) needed. Al Nasr are ready to pay the fee to get him to Saudi Arabia.
Talks between Spurs and the Catalan club will continue when they meet in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Tuesday. While Lenglet has already agreed a three-year contract with Tottenham. He now hopes the two teams can find an amicable solution to finalise the permanent deal.
But all the while Tottenham hesitate to agree to terms with Barcelona, Lenglet is considering a U-turn over a return to north London now that are AC Milan also showing an interest in his transfer. So, Barcelona may soon get the fee they want if Tottenham truly want Lenglet back.
Lenglet joining Tottenham on loan last summer thrilled his compatriot, Hugo Lloris. Antonio Conte hired the defender whilst still in charge of Spurs. Lenglet would go on to feature in 26 Premier League games and started in 24. He also offered two assists during the 22/23 term.
“He’s a modern defender,” Lloris said, via the Daily Mail, in July 2022. “[He is] comfortable to be able to play from the back. He has a great left foot and can be very strong in one-v-one and he’s strong in the air.
“Even if it’s never easy when you arrive in the Premier League, and he will have to adapt to the intensity of the games, but he is a high level player with experience.”
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