Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing a summer swoop for Spanish left-back, will cost €10-12 million
Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a crucial summer ahead as coach Diego Simeone looks to address some of the most prominent issues in the squad.
One of the problem areas is the left-back department. The club had parted ways with Renan Lodi in the summer, allowing him to join Nottingham Forest on loan. Atleti also loaned out Manu Sanchez.
In order to alleviate the loss of these two players, the club roped in Sergio Reguilon. But the ex-Real Madrid man has not been to make much of an impact. This has been coupled with the constant speculation over the future of Barcelona target Yannick Carrasco.
To make things worse for Atleti, Reinildo Mandava has picked up a major injury, which could leave him on the sidelines for about seven months. This has accentuated the need for a new left-back, with Atletico Madrid keeping tabs on Javi Galan.
This has been reported by Mundo Deportivo, with the Spanish media outlet claiming that the Spanish giants are open to signing the Celta Vigo left-back at the end of the season.
However, luring Galan could be a tricky affair for Atletico Madrid. His parent club Celta Vigo will make life difficult for the Spanish giants, especially with the defender having a termination clause worth €18 million.
Galan, though, is thought to be available for a fee in the region of €10-12 million. However, a bigger obstacle for Atletico Madrid will be the competition from FC Barcelona.
The Catalans were close to signing Galan last summer, but the move did not materialise as the club missed the deadline to close the deal. But has not deterred the Blaugrana from going back into the market for the left-back, who could prove to be an ideal long-term competitor for Alejandro Balde.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
