Barcelona backup defensive target reaches pre-agreement with Tottenham | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are in the market for a new left-footed defender heading into the summer transfer window.

Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan has emerged as the priority target for the Catalan giants, but they are also looking at alternatives in case the deal for the Italian does not go through.

One of the names that was on the radar as a backup option was Marcos Senesi of AFC Bournemouth. The Argentine international’s contract expires on 30 June and he will leave as a free agent in the summer.

Senesi agrees Tottenham move

However, according to Sky Germany (h/t SPORT), Senesi will not be joining Barcelona. The Argentine centre-back had been waiting for the Catalan club, but has now decided to remain in the Premier League.

He was offered to Barcelona on several occasions and his profile suited the club, but other priorities took precedence and Senesi grew tired of waiting.

Now, the South American defender has reached a pre-agreement with Tottenham Hotspur and will sign a three-year contract with the London club, provided they avoid relegation from the Premier League. Otherwise, his future could lie in Italy.

Senesi could join Tottenham. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)

Senesi had emerged as a low-cost option to reinforce Barcelona’s backline. He was monitored by the club’s scouts, but the move was ultimately ruled out despite recognition of his strong performances this season.

Senesi shares an agency with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and relations with the Blaugrana are good, but weeks ago he was informed that no offer would be made. As a result, he decided to listen to and accelerate negotiations with other clubs.

Tottenham have managed to convince Senesi with a strong financial proposal, leading him to reject offers from Italy. Both Juventus and Inter Milan had approached the Argentine in an attempt to secure his signing, but he has chosen to remain in England.

Barcelona, for their part, are fully focused on securing the signing of Bastoni as their top priority for central defence. Within the club, optimism is growing due to the Italian defender’s interest in moving to Camp Nou.