Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are keen to add Ferland Mendy to their squad when the transfer window reopens in July.
Barcelona have been stuck in a conundrum at the back. The lack of cover for both the full-backs has been appalling for Ernesto Valverde who looks to bring in players to act as backups for Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba.
Although Sergi Roberto is capable of operating through the right flank of the defence, the Spaniard is looking for a proper full-back which will enhance the chances of rotation.
During the summer transfer window, former Barcelona left-back Lucas Digne was keen to move elsewhere in order to reinstate himself into the French squad. Everton showed interest on the defender and wrapped in a deal worth 20 million.
On the other hand, first choice Jordi Alba has been overloaded with the work. The 29-year-old has started 28 games this season and is one of the undroppable members in the squad. Former Valencia left-back is yet to put pen to paper as his contract ends in 2020.
In order to solve the surcharge, Ernesto Valverde is looking to bolster his left-back options by luring Lyon defender Ferland Mendy to their ranks. According to the French Publication Paris United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are ready to go head-to-head for Lyon’s left-back Ferland Mendy who looks increasingly likely to leave Groupama Stadium in the forthcoming transfer window.
Barcelona must pay at least €35m to land Ferland Mendy – report https://t.co/7UhQdq6lmX pic.twitter.com/OfkYEsrYie
— Fussboll (@Fussboll_) February 12, 2019
Lyon left-back Ferland Mendy is attracting interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
(Source: Mundo Deportivo) pic.twitter.com/cNIe9dXEJH— Hala Transfer News (@HalaTransfers) February 11, 2019
The 23-year-old has made 30 appearances this term and was part of the side which beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League group stages earlier this season. He is one of the established full-backs in the country, having already made his debut for his national time last year in a friendly against Uruguay.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas making it clear that left back Ferland Mendy will not come cheap to any potential suitors with his valuation set between €35m-€40m.
Not bad after paying Le Havre just €5m back in July 2017. pic.twitter.com/pqe5tHlnHb
— Yousef Teclab (@yousef_teclab) February 11, 2019
📰 [Paris United via SPORT] | Olympique de Lyon name their asking price for Barça target Mendy
🔶 Ferland Mendy is on the club’s ‘top priority’ shortlist for next summer
🔷 Aulas, Lyon’s President, is willing to let Mendy go in the summer for a fee in the region of €35m-40m pic.twitter.com/5UK1sx9KFq
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) February 11, 2019
The report also adds that the French outfit will be willing to listen to an offer worth 40 million upwards. There is no doubt about the talent of Mendy but given the spending on Frenkie De Jong’s transfer, it is unlikely to see the Catalans spend ludicrous amount unless Jordi Alba decides to leave.
Both the sides are also willing to battle out for the signature of Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt. After winning the battle for Frenkie De Jong, it will be interesting to see where Mendy would end up next season.
