Atletico Madrid are seemingly about to sell Alvaro Morata to AC Milan, and as it turns out, it may not be the only deal done with an Italian club in the coming weeks. Roma are targeting a move for Rodrigo Riquelme, one of Diego Simeone’s prized younger players.
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Riquelme is very happy at Atleti, and his entourage has assured that the 24-year-old has no plans to leave this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Roma from believing that they can pull off a deal, as reported by La Gazetta dello Sport (via MD).
There are two main reasons why Roma believe that they can turn Riquelme’s head. Firstly, they plan to offer him a regular starting spot, something that he does not have at Atleti. Simeone often uses Samuel Lino ahead of him at left wing-back, and he’s infrequently used in midfield. It’s also worth noting that Roma would utilise him further forward, in his natural position.
Secondly, Roma plan to triple Riquelme’s wages. Currently, he earns a meagre €400k per year, making him one of the lowest earners in Atleti’s first team squad.
It remains to be seen whether Roma can tempt Riquelme into a move to the Italian capital this summer. Atletico Madrid would need to receive a substantial offer – well above €20m – if they were to consider a sale.
