Failing to qualify for Europe for a second straight year will make things difficult for Athletic during the summer transfer window. The Lions know that they need to strengthen the squad, but with an already large wage bill it won’t be easy to bring in impactful signings. That being said, Gaizka Garitano wants to strengthen the wing position and the club already have their eyes on a potential target – Alex Berenguer

Athletic tried to sign Berenguer from Osasuna two years ago before he was eventually sold to Torino. The Navarrans included an Anti-Athletic clause in his transfer which means that Torino would owe Osasuna €1.5 million if they ever sell Berenguer to Athletic. The whole transfer saga was full of drama as Osasuna demanded the full €9 million from their Basque neighbors before agreeing to a €5.5 million deal with Torino.

Two years later Athletic have returned for Berenguer. Still just 23, the Osasuna product has shown glimpses of brilliance in Italy and Athletic believe that he could fight for a starting role at San Mamés. Torino will, of course, want to make money on a potential transfer and owing Osasuna €1.5 million will further inflate the fee. Reports in Italy now claim that Torino have set their asking price at €10 million.

Athletic are serious about their pursuit and sources have said that the Lions aren’t turned off by the idea of paying €10 million, though they are hoping to negotiate the price down. The two clubs are already in talks with the goal of reaching an agreement, but there is no rush with the entire summer still ahead. There is belief that a deal could be struck for a fee of €9 million.

Berenguer would certainly add depth on the wings as he is able to play on either side, but he also brings versatility. The 23-year-old has featured as a fullback at times and would give Garitano even more options. A potential move is now more likely with Alberto Santacruz of Oye Athletic reporting that Berenguer has already agreed to a 3-year deal with Athletic and wages that would put him in the middle tier of the current squad but could increase with incentives. Athletic and Torino will continue negotiations.

ℹ️ El Athletic ya tiene el OK de Alex Berenguer por 3 años. Ficha de la mitad hacia arriba de la plantilla y vinculada a objetivos. El Torino pide 10 millones por él pero se negocia para no rebasar esa cifra contando los 1,5 millones extra que el Athletic debería pagar a Osasuna. pic.twitter.com/fEI7izfE6N — 🎙Alberto Santacruz (@a_santacruz) June 5, 2019

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