One of Atletico Madrid 's top priorities this summer was to get a left-footed defender. Many names have been linked with the red-and-white team, but everything points to Clement Lenglet being the chosen one. The French footballer already has an agreement with the colchonero team and would land at the Metropolitano on loan.
The favourite has always been the Slovakian David Hancko , but the lack of agreement with Feyenoord has forced Atlético de Madrid to decide on other options. The centre-back has always been open to putting himself under Simeone 's orders, but his club has not opened the door to him. Now, while the colchoneros continue to make room in their squad, Clement Lenglet is expected to land in the next few hours.
Lenglet's signing is complete
The French centre-back has been in the orbit of Atlético de Madrid for several days in order to finalise the squad in this market. The departure of Mario Hermoso as a free agent forced the sporting management to find a reliable replacement. There were several names on the table and of great quality such as David Hancko or Piero Hincapié , but another has been chosen.
Clemen Lenglet was very close to signing with Villarreal , but he stopped the operation after learning of the interest of the red-and-white team. FC Barcelona needed to get rid of the defender in order to register Dani Olmo and for him to debut this same day. Economically, the English option is much better for the red-and-white team, but it was not one of the best alternatives in the sporting aspect.
In the next few hours, the player will land in the capital of Spain to undergo a medical examination and sign with the club. In this way, one of the priorities that Simeone had in this summer market is closed, although there will be more operations. From the offices of the Metropolitano they continue working to achieve more exits and, perhaps, some other reinforcement.
Cesar Azpilicueta, the replacement
One of the players who has already shown that he can more than fulfil the role of the left-footed defender is the Navarrese footballer. Last season, taking advantage of Mario Hermoso 's injury, César Azpilicueta could be seen completing the saga in decisive clashes. Simeone has always had a lot of confidence in the former Chelsea player , both as a centre-back and playing from both wings.
In pre-season and against Villarreal , he was the Argentine coach's big bet, starting as a right-footed defender and switching to the left-footed profile. Obviously, the arrival of Clement Lenglet displaces César Azpilicueta to his more natural side, where he can perform best. Even so, everything points to the Spaniard being back in the starting line-up this Sunday against Girona in that same position.