According to reports in Relevo and Mundo Deportivo, Real Betis is interested in acquiring Atlético Madrid midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme as a replacement for Sergio Canales, who has joined CF Monterrey in Liga MX.
Betis is considering a permanent deal for Riquelme, and Atlético is open to negotiations to raise funds for other signings. While Betis is open to a loan deal with a purchase option, Atlético may push for including a Betis player in the agreement.
Riquelme has cut his vacation short to join Betis for the preseason tour in South Korea. The decision on Riquelme’s future is expected soon as fans with Atletico Madrid tickets anxiously wait for good news.
The Verdiblancos view Riquelme as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Canales, and Atlético seems willing to negotiate for the 23-year-old to raise funds, especially as the João Félix market remains stagnant, and they aim to add an expensive, high-quality pivot to Diego Simeone’s squad this summer.
However, Atlético has already rejected an offer from Manchester City for Riquelme. Betis’ negotiation flexibility might be tested if Atlético demands include a Betis player in the deal.
In the past, Atleti was unwilling to swap Riquelme for Girona’s promising defender Arnau Martínez and balked at including the Spain under-21 star in a potential deal for Mallorca star Lee Kang-In.
But they might be more amenable to a Riquelme sale if they can sign forward Borja Iglesias or defensive midfielder Guido Rodríguez in exchange.
This ideal deal would also energize those Atletico Madrid fans waiting for another league title-winning season.
Betis would be a significant and beneficial step for Riquelme. He would come in as Canales’ replacement and likely learn much under head coach Manuel Pellegrini, whose Betis sides have been top-four challengers the past two seasons. Riquelme would also compete in the UEFA Europa League this season, as Betis finished sixth in La Liga last season.
While Simeone and the club have played the situation carefully, Riquelme’s future has been uncertain for months. Unless an irresistible offer comes soon, the topic may drag on through Atlético’s preseason tour, and decision time is approaching. Hopefully, a resolution that benefits all parties can be reached.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – KEY option
Atletico Madrid’s summer transfer business has been solid, with key defensive signings like Javi Galan and Cesar Azpilicueta. The next target for Diego Simeone is a midfielder, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg identified as a critical option.
Despite being known for his defensive abilities, Hojbjerg also possesses excellent progressive passing skills, which align with Simeone’s demands. Playing as a central midfielder, Hojbjerg ranked high in advanced passes and touches in the Premier League last season. Hojbjerg, despite playing in a different league, is a highly regarded player by those with Atletico Madrid tickets.
His ability to demand possession and move the ball forward efficiently makes him an ideal fit for Simeone’s system, potentially complementing Koke and Marcos Llorente in the midfield.
Atletico Madrid’s midfield has changed, with Geoffrey Kondogbia leaving for Marseille, leaving them needing reinforcements. While Saul Niguez will stay, he is expected to play a reduced role. Hojbjerg’s presence could add depth and quality to the squad, providing Simeone with more options in the engine room.
Hojbjerg’s versatility and experience as a central midfielder make him an attractive target for Atletico. The team’s tactics may require switching between formations, and having a player like Hojbjerg, who can perform effectively in various setups, would be advantageous.
Regarding negotiations, Hojbjerg is rumored to have asked Spurs to lower their asking price to facilitate the move to Atletico. Simeone is pushing hard to complete the deal before the start of the new season in August, as he wants to have his squad fully prepared and settled.
In conclusion, Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg demonstrates their intent to strengthen their midfield and build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.
Hojbjerg’s skills as a progressive passer and central midfielder make him an ideal fit for Simeone’s tactical approach, and securing his signature would be another step toward solidifying Atletico’s squad for success in various competitions, something the fans with Atletico Madrid tickets have been yearning for a while.
Alvaro Morata Price is Final
Despite interest from Inter Milan, Roma, and Juventus, Atletico Madrid is standing firm on their asking price of €21 million for Alvaro Morata. The 30-year-old striker could remain with Atletico for the upcoming season as the club is unwilling to lower the price to facilitate a deal.
Inter Milan has made Morata one of their main targets for the striker position after their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku was unsuccessful. Roma and Juventus also want to sign the Spaniard to bolster their attacking options.
While there have been reports that Atletico might consider lowering the asking price, it appears unlikely as the club needs to secure a fee of around €20 million to avoid taking a capital loss on the sale. Atletico is also exploring other striker targets in case Morata stays.
With the preseason tour approaching, there is little friction if Morata remains at Atletico for the next season. His agent is still working on exploring transfer possibilities, but Atletico is likely to stay at the same price to complete a deal.
Interest in 19-year-old Argentinian Youngster
Atletico Madrid’s summer transfer window has been marked by significant activity, focusing on the South American market, gaining massive praise from the regulars with Atletico Madrid tickets.
The club has made four signings, including Santiago Mourino from Uruguayan side Racing Club de Montevideo. They are actively pursuing a deal for another promising South American talent, Tomas Aviles, from Argentine side Racing Club.
According to reports, Atletico Madrid is currently engaged in advanced negotiations with Racing Club for Aviles’ transfer. The club has already submitted a bid, and talks are progressing positively.
If the deal is successful, Atletico plans to send Aviles on an immediate loan to Inter Miami, where he would have the opportunity to play alongside football icons such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
This approach showcases Atletico Madrid’s strategic thinking and emphasis on planning for the future. By tapping into the South American market and nurturing young talents like Aviles, the club is positioning itself for continued success and a strong team foundation.
As the preseason tour approaches, Atletico Madrid’s proactive transfer strategy should bode well for their ambitions in the upcoming season.
Atletico Madrid has been active in the summer transfer window, focusing on signings and departures. With Javi Galan, Caglar Soyuncu, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Santiago Mourino already on board, the club is now looking to generate funds through player sales.
Geoffrey Kondogbia and Renan Lodi have already been sold to Marseille, and more departures are in progress.
Samuel Lino is one player likely to leave Atletico this summer. The 23-year-old spent the previous season on loan at Valencia and has offers for another temporary move in the upcoming season.
However, Atletico is more open to selling Lino, as he has yet to feature in any matches for the club since joining from Gil Vicente last year.
Diego Simeone’s squad typically uses a 5-3-2 system with wing-backs rather than wingers, which means Lino doesn’t have a place in the team.
With Premier League clubs reportedly showing interest in signing Lino, his departure from Atletico Madrid seems possible in the coming weeks.
Atletico Madrid tickets for the season’s opening games are now available to purchase.