Atletico Madrid linked with Manchester City outcast

If there is one position that has eluded Atletico Madrid in the transfer market of late, it is in midfield. Despite the growth of Pablo Barrios, another alternative at the base of their play has been a priority for Diego Simeone in recent years, but their search for the right players to eventually replace captain Koke Resurreccion has so far been fruitless, and is set to be on the agenda again this summer.

Last January Arthur Vermeeren was signed from Royal Antwerp for €18m, but just six months later, Simeone decided the Belgian was not for him, and he was moved on to RB Leipzig. That deal is set to be made permanent this summer.

Antoine Griezmann is just three goals away from reaching 200 goals for Atlético Madrid. He also has 83 assists.

280 G/A in his Atleti career so far.

One of the greatest pic.twitter.com/EKNeemh6u2

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 27, 2025

The central midfield position is set to be a priority for Director of Football Carlos Bucero in the upcoming transfer market, and Caught Offside say that initial moves have been made for the signing of Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian veteran is set to leave Manchester City in the summer, and the Metropolitano could be one of his options.

The 30-year-old, who has vast European experience at Inter, rivals Real Madrid, Chelsea and now City, also has interest from Fenerbahce, but is keen to stay in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He could be available for a reported price tag of around €30m, one that Atletico would try to bring down.

While the position has been an issue for Los Colchoneros in recent seasons, it would be a surprise if they were willing to fork out so much for the four-time Champions League winner, down to his age. This season Kovacic, who only moved to City from Chelsea a little over 18 months ago for €29m, has featured 32 times under Pep Guardiola, scoring five times and giving one assist. Atletico have also been linked with Valencia’s Javi Guerra and Porto’s Alan Varela, Simeone’s supposed preference.