Atletico Madrid pushing to finalise two major signings as three departures edge closer to completion

It’s been a very busy start to the summer transfer window for Atletico Madrid. They’ve finalised a deal to sign Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad (announcement to come soon), while also getting several high-earners off the books.

Mario Hermoso, Gabriel Paulista, Caglar Soyuncu and Memphis Depay are all confirmed as having left, while they will soon part ways with Saul Niguez and Stefan Savic, both of whom will leave as free agents. Alvaro Morata is also close to leaving, with a move to AC Milan edging ever close.

Morata’s departure would mean that Atleti are short in the striker department, with only Antoine Griezmann, Angel Correa and Samu Omorodion as options for Diego Simeone. Despite this, a new signing is not a priority right now, as Marca report that deals for David Hancko and Mikel Merino are being pursued first.

🚨 Atlético Madrid is now focused on closing the deals for David Hancko and Mikel Merino.

[🥇: @medinamarca, @marca] pic.twitter.com/hKq7VfCXlN

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 13, 2024

Atleti have held talks with Feyenoord in recent weeks, and an agreement for Hancko should not be too far away. However, they are facing competition from the Premier League, which could complicate matters. With Merino, negotiations with La Real are likely to start in the next week or so, once the midfielder’s Euro 2024 involvement has ended.

Like with Hancko, a deal for Merino could be difficult for Atletico Madrid, as Barcelona and Arsenal have also been linked recently. Nevertheless, if they can close both deals soon, it could be spectacular business.