Lyon have reportedly given the go-ahead for Barcelona target Samuel Umtiti to leave as his transfer could see Alexandre Lacazette retained.
Mundo Deportivo reports the President of the French club, Jean-Michel Aulas, will sell centre-back Umtiti to Barca but only on his terms, and will try to exploit the problems the Catalans have had in finalising a defensive signing.
It’s noted that Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos, Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte and Everton’s John Stones have been on the radar and fallen off again due to cost, and with Aulas considered a skilful negotiator, the deal might not be straightforward.
Aulas wants at least €25m as with that amount, he could face down Premier League interest in Lacazette, while Barca will also keep trying to get Las Palmas to sell Mauricio Lamos, though sporting director Robert Fernandez is working on other options if that proves impossible.
