Earlier in the month, it was widely reported that Atletico Madrid had closed a deal for Robin Le Normand. All that remains is for it to be announced, although it has yet to happen – despite Euro 2024, and Le Normand’s involvement at it, having ended last Sunday. There appears to be an explanation for this.
According to Relevo, Atleti are trying to add Mikel Merino to the deal that they’ve already established with Real Sociedad. Merino is their top midfield target, and they hope that his setup will allow them to beat Barcelona and Arsenal to the signing of the 27-year-old, who was also part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad.
💣🚨 BREAKING: Atlético Madrid tries to Include Mikel Merino in the Robin Le Normand Deal!
Atleti is pushing, but for now, the player prefers to wait before making a decision. Barça and Arsenal have also shown interest in him.
[🎖️: @MatteMoretto] pic.twitter.com/V68OgBfF7S
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 19, 2024
That’s the reason why Atleti have not finalised Le Normand’s deal, and they want to include Merino in the package. However, he is in no rush to decide his future, meaning that Atleti are unlikely to be successful using this method.
The good news for Atletico Madrid is that Le Normand’s signing is not in doubt. The deal could be finalised in the coming days, providing that they cool their interest in Merino for the time being.
