Juventus join Atletico Madrid in race for €10m rated Barcelona outcast

Juventus have reportedly join the race to sign Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Having failed to secure a starting spot at Barcelona, Lenglet was allowed to join Atletico Madrid on loan in the summer of last year and he has managed to rediscover his form.

The French centre-half has become a permanent fixture in the backline for Diego Simeone, who wants to sign the player on a permanent transfer from Barça.

Clement Lenglet of Atletico de Madrid in action during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and Atletico de Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

However, Atletico have failed to agree a deal with Barcelona and things might get complicated in the coming months.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Juventus have joined Atletico Madrid in race to sign Lenglet from Barcelona in the summer.

Barcelona have placed a €10 million price tag on the defender, which Los Colchoneros view as excessive as the player will be 30 years old in the summer and is deemed surplus to requirements at the Catalan club.

However, Barça believe that Lenglet’s performances at the Metropolitano this season have boosted his market value.

And, Juventus sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, views Lenglet as a strong addition to their defensive unit and does not see the €10 million fee as unreasonable. From the Bianconeri’s perspective, he would bring experience and reliability to the back line.

Atletico Madrid now face a huge task in keeping Lenglet at the club. Even if the Rojiblancos agree to meet the €10 million transfer fee, the player’s wages will pose an issue.

Lenglet’s current salary stands at €16 million, of which Atleti are paying €3 million in fixed wages. For a permanent transfer to the Metropolitano to materialise, the 29-year-old would need to accept a substantial wage reduction.

Atletico Madrid might not be willing to pay such hefty salary and this will open the door for Juventus to convince Lenglet to switch club.