Olympique de Marseille had a high quality month of July. After completing the arrival of midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia and left-back Renan Lodi, both of whom arrived from Atlético de Madrid, OM struck a major blow by signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. But yet, the transfer window of the Phocaeans does not stop there and after having reinforced his midfield and his attack, Pablo Longoria and his teams are working on the defensive sector.
With Eric Bailly gone and the future of Chancel Mbemba not being assured, Olympique de Marseille is currently looking to find a new central defender. To find his happiness, Pablo Longoria would count on a good long-standing relationship: Mateu Alemany. According to information from Sportthe sporting director of FC Barcelona, who knew Longoria during his stay in Valencia, has already been contacted by the management of OM for two Catalan central defenders.
Two targeted undesirables
The first of them is a French international and is none other than Clément Lenglet. Back from his loan from Tottenham, he is no longer really part of Xavi Hernandez’s plans for the coming season and could therefore be seduced by OM, even if the Catalan daily claims that Lenglet favors the Premier League. Indeed, a return to England would allow him to keep a high salary, which the Olympian club is not able to offer. As a reminder, Barca are demanding 15 million euros for Lenglet. A price that did not satisfy Spurs.
The Clément Lenglet file promises to be complicated and an alternative is therefore being considered by Olympique de Marseille: Eric Garcia. The Spanish defender has refused a loan move to Real Betis and Marseille are said to be ready to explore the possibility of a loan or a transfer. The player would not prioritize a start in Ligue 1, but Barça need to sell and should therefore not be difficult with OM since the club are still hoping for departures after their pre-season tour. On the other hand, to ensure an advantage in their files, OM will need to ensure their qualification in the Champions League.
