Milan considering Barcelona centre-back as ‘plan B’ to reinforce their defence in the winter

Barcelona let go of a fair few players in the summer transfer market on loan as they could not find a permanent club for them due to several reasons. For some, it was their form, some their game time, some their age, and some their wage.

For Clement Lenglet, it was a mix of most of these. The Frenchman was the first-choice centre-back at Barcelona up until the 2020/21 season, after which the rise of Ronald Araujo, made him obsolete in the starting XI.

Further, his salary barely reflected his importance in the team, and Barcelona were desperate to get it off their books as soon as possible to make space in the wage bill to sign more players.

Lenglet went on loan to Tottenham Hotspur for a season in 2022/23, and despite playing 26 games, was not purchased permanently by the London outfit.

He then moved to Aston Villa, on loan, at the start of this season, and has failed to make any sort of impact at the Birmingham outfit. With three games all season in the Premier League, he is currently their fifth-choice CB behind Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, and Tyrone Mings.

On Milan’s radar

Luckily for Lenglet, it seems he has a way out of England this winter transfer window. AC Milan are reportedly in to sign him as their ‘plan B’ to reinforce their defence, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Milan have been pursuing Lenglet for around a month at this point, and have even held talks with the player’s camp. Personal terms do not seem to be a problem at all, with Barcelona also approving of the move.

However, Villa do not seem ready to let Lenglet go in the winter. They are currently second in the Premier League, three points behind Liverpool and two clear of Manchester City, and are also in the Round of 16 for the UEFA Conference League.

Unai Emery wants to keep hold of his squad for the rest of the season as they continue pursuing all trophies.

For Milan, however, Lenglet is not first choice, so they are not particularly concerned about the pursuit. Their priority is Brest centre-back Lillian Brassier, but a move for him is difficult as the French side push for a Champions League place.