Atletico Madrid are making moves in the transfer market this summer. A deal to sign Robin Le Normand is expected to be finalised imminently, while they are also in advanced talks with Girona over the possible arrival of Artem Dovbyk. Despite this, they have been left frustrated in recent weeks in their pursuit of a second centre-back signing.
David Hancko has been Atleti’s leading target, but talks between themselves and Feyenoord have been rather fruitless. As of right now, there is a €10m gap in valuations of the two clubs, and this has led Los Colchoneros to consider other options.
According to Diario AS, a new three-man shortlist has been established by the club’s sporting department, headed up by sporting director Andrea Berta. This includes Aymeric Laporte (who has also been discussed as a target for Real Madrid), RB Salzburg’s Strahinja Pavlovic, and Jorrel Hato of Ajax.
🚨 JUST IN – In case Atlético Madrid cannot sign David Hancko:
– Aymeric Laporte is the preferred option.
– Strahinja Pavlović (Salzburg) and Jorrel Hato (Ajax) are also on the shortlist.@edu17burgos pic.twitter.com/Kkr3D6GnPk— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 23, 2024
Laporte and Pavlovic would be much more affordable options for Atletico Madrid compared to Hato, and it’s likely that they would be cheaper than Hancko. It remains to be seen who is opted for in the coming weeks.