La Liga side interested in signing Barcelona defender

Barcelona have agreed to let Clement Lenglet join Aston Villa in a straight loan move that would see the Premier League side cover 75% of his wages, as per multiple reports.

The Frenchman’s exit will give Barca much-needed breathing space with regard to financial fair play calculations as his contract at Camp Nou sees him earn north of €10m per year. Failing to find a new destination for a player who isn’t part of Xavi’s plans would’ve turned out to be a nightmare situation for the club financially. Fortunately for them, Unai Emery’s side stepped in at the right moment.

Akin to Villa, Girona are also keen on signing another fringe defender from Barcelona in a move that would subsequently further improve the Catalan giants’ economic situation. However, in this case, Xavi is understood to be reluctant to give his green light.

Girona want to sign Barcelona outcast – reports

According to Fabrizio Romano, Girona are ‘insisting’ on signing Eric Garcia. The club from northern Catalonia is in the market for a new centre-back to replace Santi Bueno, who’s set to join English outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It is added that Xavi wants to keep the Spain international at Barcelona. Still, the manager’s stance on Garcia’s transfer contrasts with his team selection so far this season.

Iñigo Martínez is yet to be registered and Ronald Araújo is unavailable for selection due to an injury and yet Xavi hasn’t handed the 22-year-old any start in the opening three La Liga games, opting to trust the likes of Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde to carry out defensive responsibilities instead. He even deployed Frenkie de Jong in the backline over Garcia in the 2-0 win over Cadiz.

The versatile Spaniard will probably not get any real opportunity to play as a holding midfielder either following the arrival of Oriol Romeu and İlkay Gündoğan. Accordingly, it would be best for all parties if the La Masia talent is allowed to change colors this summer.