News Focus
- Atletico Madrid are prepared to listen to offers for five first-team squad members
- Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth is attracting attention from Barcelona and AC Milan
- Club captain Koke is expected to sign a one-year contract extension
- The futures of Jan Oblak and Jose Maria Gimenez remain uncertain due to wage and transfer speculation
- The Rojiblancos are reportedly closing in on Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes
Diego Simeone’s side are prepared to entertain bids for five senior players this summer, with one name particularly catching the attention of Catalan giants Barcelona. The Rojiblancos’ European campaign ended at the semi-final stage against Arsenal earlier this week. Now, attention at the Metropolitano turns to reshaping the squad ahead of next season.
Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth heads the list of available talent. The forward has emerged as a potential target for Barcelona, who view him as a cheaper option to replace ageing star Robert Lewandowski. Italian side AC Milan have also registered interest in the former Real Sociedad man.
Defender Robin Le Normand, who joined from Real Sociedad for €35 million just two summers ago, surprisingly features among those available. Argentine trio Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Clement Lenglet also face uncertain futures at the club.
In contrast, club skipper Koke looks set to extend his stay by twelve months. Spanish midfielder Marcos Llorente also appears likely to remain in the Spanish capital. However, question marks hang over goalkeeper Jan Oblak and defender Jose Maria Gimenez. The Slovenian shot-stopper could leave due to his substantial wages, whilst the Uruguayan centre-back has attracted transfer speculation in recent months.
Sporting Director Mateu Alemany has already begun strengthening the midfield. The club are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes when the window opens. It promises to be another busy summer in Madrid, with sixteen new arrivals having already joined during the past two years.