Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘dream’ of signing Manchester City captain on a free transfer – report
Atletico Madrid have not been in the best financial position for a while now. And their group-stage elimination from the UEFA Champions League and failure to enter the Europa League means the picture will get further worse.
With the situation being as it is, Los Rojiblancos will likely have to watch their spending in the transfer market and look for free agents to strengthen the roster.
As such, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has emerged as a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, with sporting director Andrea Berta ‘dreaming’ of the German midfielder’s signing.
Gundogan has been one of the top performers at the Etihad Stadium for years now and has been critical to the success the Citizens have enjoyed under Pep Guardiola.
However, the 32-year-old’s contract stands to run down at the end of the ongoing campaign and an agreement over an extension is yet to be reached.
Despite being in his thirties, Gundogan is still going strong and Atletico Madrid would be interested in capitalising on the opportunity to land him on a Bosman deal at the end of the season.
However, Los Colchoneros will likely have to compete with some other European heavyweights in pursuit of the veteran star, with Bayern Munich said to be among his suitors. So, for Atleti to stand a chance to sign Gundogan, they would need to make a very impressive contract offer.
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Gundogan has gone on to make 270 appearances for the club. The 32-year-old has won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup during this time.
A seasoned campaigner with still plenty left to offer in the tank, Gundogan can be a useful signing for Atletico Madrid. But with no shortage of suitors for him, it could take a serious offer from Diego Simeone’s side to land him.
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.
