Atletico Madrid have been left scouring the market for a number nine three weeks away from the start of the season, following the surprise exit of Alvaro Morata to AC Milan, and the breakdown in talks for Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian has reportedly agreed terms with AS Roma, and the Italian side will open talks with Girona next week.
As such, three names have emerged as alternatives for Atletico: Alexander Sorloth, Viktor Gyokeres and Jonathan David. The former has his age and the high cost of his €38m release clause, at 29, but Diario AS say that his good performances against them and his record last season work in his favour.
🚨🇸🇰 JUST IN: Atlético Madrid aims to finalize the signing before traveling to Hong Kong next Sunday. He is pushing and an agreement between the clubs is close.@marca pic.twitter.com/DrMO9C9uek
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 28, 2024
Gyokeres would be a dream signing, but the cost of the Sporting CP forward is likely to get in the way. Meanwhile Lille forward Jonathan David has just a year left on his deal, and at 24, is expected to demand a large contract, but could be the most sensible option.
Young forwards Carlos Martin and Samu Omorodion are leading the line in preseason, but Los Rojiblancos would rather sign two forwards if they have the money. Following the exit of Memphis Depay too, they may look for a loan move for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani, or potentially a younger option, such as Benjamin Sesko, Lois Openda, Max Beier or Santi Gimenez, although these options seem likely to be expensive too.
Figure out, how to play without a 9, just like years ago Napoli did with Callejon, Insigne and Mertens. Pure delight to have watched this triumvirate doing wonders in attack.