Mario Hermoso and Reinildo

Competition for Reinildo Mandava arrives: Simeone already has a replacement for Hermoso

The Argentine coach already has the player he has been asking for since the Madrid native left the team

Atlético de Madrid 's latest signing is already in the capital and has even watched tonight's game against Girona in the Civitas Metropolitano box. Clément Lenglet arrived in Madrid this afternoon and has already visited his new home, awaiting the official announcement, which should be imminent. Barça and Atlético already have an agreement for the French player, who arrives this season on loan with no option to buy from the Colchoneros.

Diego Pablo Simeone was looking for a left-sided centre-back to replace Mario Hermoso , and although Clément Lenglet was not the favourite, he was chosen. The reason: the high price that Feyenoord put on David Hancko , a player who was the one desired by the sporting management. Andrea Berta has tried to negotiate with the Dutch team, but they have only put obstacles in the way of the red-and-whites.

Clement Lenglet
Clément Lenglet during his last spell at Aston Villa | Europa Press

Mario Hermoso 's absence is important for the coach, who tried to get the Madrid native to stay at all costs. He was unable to convince either the player or the club, who did not see his continuity in a good light. Mario Hermoso is still a free agent; he could even have a very remote chance of returning if there are any departures, as Diego Simeone wants two centre-backs.

The third time was the charm

Clément Lenglet has been on Atlético de Madrid's agenda for years, and this time it has been the right one , after several attempts. The first came when the Beauvais footballer was playing for Sevilla FC , although he chose to sign for FC Barcelona . The Catalans paid 35 million euros to the Sevillians and secured the arrival of the French footballer.

During his time at FC Barcelona he has played two full years and another two on loan in the Premier League . This is the third consecutive year that he has been loaned, having renewed his contract for an additional year. In this way, he reduces his amortisation and lowers his salary, FC Barcelona wins and so does the player, since he can choose his destination.

He will undergo a medical examination today

The French footballer is already in the capital, and will undergo a medical examination at Arturo Soria 's Vithas clinic this morning. The results of the centre-back's tests are expected to be known early in the morning and both clubs are expected to make the agreement official today. Atlético de Madrid does not have any option to buy the defender.

If his performance is good, the clubs will negotiate an agreement so that he can permanently leave FC Barcelona . The Catalans no longer count on him, and the exit on loan is simply due to a Financial Fair Play issue. The Catalans now have much more room and are already close to being able to register Dani Olmo .

Clément Lenglet will have his third experience in the National League Championship, where he already won a league with FC Barcelona . His first stage was with the Sevilla FC shirt. Atlético de Madrid is his third club in Spain .