In a surprising turn of events, Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of Girona striker Artem Dovbyk hit a roadblock after negotiations broke down due to financial demands from the player’s agent. Dovbyk’s agent expressed concerns regarding the financial terms offered by Atlético, leading to a breakdown in discussions. As a result, the Spanish club has shifted its focus to Villarreal striker Alexander Sørloth, who has been on their radar since the beginning of the summer transfer window.
Despite Atlético’s interest in Sørloth, they are aware that they face competition from other clubs for the player’s signature. The Norwegian striker, who scored 26 goals last season, has a termination clause of €38 million, but Atlético is hoping to negotiate a lower transfer fee to secure his services. Sources suggest that Sørloth is tempted by the idea of either moving to the Premier League or playing under Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.
In addition to their pursuit of a striker, Atlético Madrid is also making progress in talks with Chelsea for midfielder Conor Gallagher. Simeone is keen on adding a midfielder to his squad, and Gallagher is considered a viable option. While Mikel Merino is also being considered, financial reasons and Gallagher’s profile make him a more likely target for Atlético. However, Chelsea’s valuation of at least €40 million for Gallagher could pose a challenge, especially with other clubs like Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur showing interest in the player.
Another player on Atlético Madrid’s radar is Manchester City striker Julián Álvarez, who is looking for more playing time. Álvarez, who expressed his desire to make a decision on his future after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is being monitored by several teams, including Paris Saint-Germain. While Atlético is interested in Álvarez, they are cautious not to get their hopes up as the competition for the Argentine forward is fierce. Sources suggest that a resolution regarding Álvarez’s future may not be reached until mid-August at the earliest.
Overall, Atlético Madrid’s transfer dealings have taken unexpected twists and turns, with the club now pursuing alternative options after failed negotiations with Dovbyk. As the summer transfer window progresses, it will be interesting to see how Atlético navigates the challenges of securing their desired targets amidst tough competition from other clubs.
Leave a Reply