Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid approach Barcelona target over Bosman move next summer – report
Atletico Madrid have made contact with the representatives of Athletic Club defender and Barcelona target Inigo Martinez to explore the possibility of a summer transfer, reports Ruben Uria of GOAL.
Martinez is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and experienced defenders in La Liga. The 31-year-old Spanish international is in the final phase of his contract with the Basque club and is yet to sign a new deal with them.
It has left the door open for the left-footed centre-back to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid have presented themselves as a possible destination for Martinez for the summer.
The Rojiblancos are understood to hold a firm interest in the 31-year-old and have made contact with his representatives to get information about his current situation at Athletic Club and assess the viability of a move in the summer.
The report clarifies that at the moment there has been no offer made for Martinez but the Rojiblancos have only lodged an enquiry.
Los Rojiblancos are already on track to sign Caglar Soyuncu as a free agent in the summer and could now look to rope in Martinez as well.
But Diego Simeone’s men will likely have to battle arch-rivals Barcelona in pursuit of the Spaniard. The La Liga leaders have been interested in Martinez’s signing since the summer and are looking to sign him as a free agent later this year.
Apart from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, several clubs in England, Turkey, and Germany are also said to be interested in Martinez, potentially setting up an interesting transfer battle for his services in the summer.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
