Atletico Madrid’s attempts to rebuild their defence this summer are underway in earnest. Los Rojiblancos have opened talks for Real Sociedad defender Robin Le Normand, who is reportedly keen on a move and has been linked to one for several months.
As per Matteo Moretto, Los Rojiblancos are in negotiations for the 27-year-old, who has a €50m release clause. Real Sociedad Sporting Director Roberto Olabe had declared earlier in the week that they had not received any offers for Le Normand or Mikel Merino, nor were they in talks with Atletico for the defender, but it looks as if an offer is one the way. Atletico are keen to do a deal for around €30m including bonuses, but talks are set to be tricky.
La Real have little need to sell due to their healthy finances, and Le Normand is a key player coming into his prime. He is also due to start for Spain in the Euros this summer, and it seems likely that they will demand more than €30m, and certainly were they to shop him in the Premier League, larger fees have been paid for less proven central defenders.