With the ongoing summer transfer window progress for FC Barcelona going rather smoothly on most fronts involving arrivals of transfer targets, it comes as no surprise that certain domestic rivals are also looking for an update in their respective rosters to be able to better compete against other squads next season in La Liga and in the UEFA based competitions.
One such rival is La Liga side Atletico de Madrid, led by acclaimed Argentine coach Diego Simeone, who are themselves looking to reinforce their team for the 2023/2024 season coming up ahead. Having finished third in La Liga behind city rivals Real Madrid by a singular point, Los Colchoneros will be adamant about aiming higher next season with an improved squad depth backing them up.
According to the latest report by Madrid-based outlet MARCA, Atletico Madrid have set their eyes on three possible arrivals to improve certain areas of their team.
Javi Galan from Celta Vigo is a given due to his arrival solidifying quality on the left flank, but the integration of a new midfielder leaves the red-and-white club of Madrid having to assess two possible candidates.
One of the two candidates currently plies his trade for French club Paris Saint-Germain, who famously possessed the combined talents of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar Jr within their ranks over the last two years.
The player in question in this moment is Italian midfielder Marco Verrati, who they believe is a technically gifted player and one who has the innate ability to devote himself completely to his side’s cause courtesy of his incredible work rate and output.
The other option Atletico Madrid are assessing is Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie. The 26-year-old Ivorian midfielder came from AC Milan last summer on a free transfer and has since featured irregularly for La Blaugrana.
Having recently signed Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona could potentially be open to letting the midfielder go for a reported fee of around €35 million. It remains to be seen just how far the side from Madrid is willing to go for the midfielder currently valued at €25 million as per Transfermarkt.
