Atlético de Madrid is not going to make a significant expenditure during this winter market. The red-and-white club knows that the team is performing well and they are looking for a piece that can contribute to the second half of the season. It has been learned that, in this situation, Simeone has asked the sports management to focus their efforts on a midfielder.
Looking ahead to the end-of-season market, things change radically for Atlético de Madrid. The club might make a significant expenditure again, as they plan to offload several players. One of Simeone's top priorities is to have a new high-level central defender, and there is a name that is very appealing.
The Center-back Desired by Half of Europe
For a few weeks now, the interest of Atlético de Madrid in the young center-back from Sporting de Portugal, Ousmane Diomande, has been known. The 21-year-old defender is an undisputed starter in the current champion of Portugal, and his level has caught the attention of several major clubs. His physical strength, speed, and security, despite his youth, make him a very interesting future prospect.
However, if Atlético de Madrid decides to pursue his signing, it will not be easy. According to CaughtOffside, the famous English transfer website, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich are following him very closely. Three clubs with enormous economic power that make things very difficult for Gil Marín and his sports management.
Necessary Departures
Everything indicates that there will be several departures in Atlético de Madrid's defense when this season ends. One of them will be Axel Witsel, whose minutes and level have decreased considerably and whose contract is ending. Another player who is on the way out is César Azpilicueta, who is suspected to possibly return to his original club, Osasuna.
This is why Simeone requires the arrival of a new center-back, preferably young and with minutes in the elite. Ousmane Diomande fits that description perfectly, and the club is seriously considering his signing. However, it will be a bidding war among several of the best clubs in Europe, so his price will not be low.