Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid have ‘set their sights’ on La Liga midfielder for the summer
Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a busy couple of transfer windows next year as they look to get rid of some of their star players in an attempt to generate revenue.
At the same time, they are also in desperate need of new signings that can replace the departed players. They have already identified the midfield department as a critical area and are actively looking out for options in the market.
According to Diario AS, the Rojiblancos have set their sights on Aleix Garcia, in particular. The midfielder currently plies his trade with Girona, where he is regarded as one of the top players at the club.
A central midfielder by trade, the 25-year-old was a critical part of Girona’s promotion drive last season. He has also featured in all of the 14 matches in the current season, even captaining the team in the game against CA Osasuna.
Atletico Madrid consider Garcia to be an excellent option in their bid to reinforce the midfield department. The Girona starlet is relatively young and offers abundant experience in Spanish football. They believe he is prepared to take the next step in his career.
Garcia’s current contract also expires at the end of the season, meaning Atletico can negotiate a pre-contract agreement from the start of next year.
From a sporting perspective, Garcia may end up replacing Rodrigo De Paul at Atletico. The Argentine international is one of few midfielders tipped to leave the club in January, as Los Colchoneros look to cut down on costs after being eliminated from European football.
However, signing Garcia will not be a walk in the park, with Barcelona also reportedly keeping close tabs on the midfielder.
There is no doubt that Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a busy summer ahead as they look to address the future of some of their star players. One of them is Saul Niguez, who has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone and could leave the club.
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on the future of the Spaniard, suggesting that the player has once again become a market attraction.
The versatile star was on loan at Chelsea last season, but his spell at Stamford Bridge was far from ideal, as he featured in less than 500 minutes of league football. He returned to Atletico Madrid in the summer, and even though he wanted to leave the club, a move did not materialise.
Saul was even linked with a move away from Atleti in January. But Valencia, who were interested in him at the time, could not afford the deal, particularly because of the player’s salary and transfer fees.
The report from Mundo Deportivo states that Valencia have retained their interest in the player. But in addition to Los Che, Saul has been targeted by two other Spanish teams in the form of Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla.
Rayo have expressed the desire to sign Saul in the coming season. But they are likely to face economic difficulties in funding a move for the midfielder. The same can be said for Sevilla.
Saul’s current contract at Atletico Madrid expires in 2026, a deal that was agreed when the player was at his peak. But the long contract has now come back to haunt Atleti, as they desperately look to get rid of the Spanish international.
With his suitors likely to face financial trouble in weighing up a move, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Saul in the coming summer.
Saul is not the only Atletico Madrid player facing an uncertain future, with Axel Witsel’s father also hinting at a possible exit recently.
