Atletico Madrid, Arsenal keeping tabs on 19-year-old defensive midfielder | OneFootball

It is no secret that Atletico Madrid are looking for a young defensive midfielder to strengthen their forces for the upcoming season. Boubacar Kamara is the name that has fans excited, but the club continue to explore other options that could be more economical.

According to reports from Hugo of L’Equipe, Atletico are now in race for Johann Lepenant, a deep midfielder who plays for SM Caen. However, Arsenal are said to be keeping tabs on the player, too.

Despite two European giants keeping an eye on the player, a third club is said to be leading the race — Olympique Lyonnais. They are best placed to complete Lepenant’s transfer come June.

The 19-year-old midfielder is a regular for Stephane Moulin’s side in the second division of the French League. He has started 33 games this season and has one assist to show in that duration.

The teenager has played in the heart of Caen’s 3-5-2 formation this season, effectively anchoring the whole team. More importantly, he has been tasked with intercepting any opposition counterattacks and has executed his duties flawlessly.

Lepenant averages 1.5 interceptions, three tackles, 0.5 clearances and six duels won per ninety minutes. There is little to no doubt that he would fit into Diego Simeone’s system seamlessly.

The player is on the final year of his contract with Caen and does not intend to renew. With the risk of losing him on a free transfer looming, the Ligue 2 side will be pushed to sell him for a lower price in the upcoming transfer window.