Atletico Madrid would no doubt have hoped to be further on with their squad revolution two weeks out from the start of the La Liga season, Robin Le Normand has arrived, but they still seem some way away from a second central defender.
Los Rojiblancos had hoped to make progress on signing David Hancko this week, but so far that has not been the case. Hancko has expressed a desire to play at the Metropolitano, but Marca say Atletico had hoped for more of an openness to compromise from Feyenoord. The Dutch giants remain firm in their €35m demands.
😭🇧🇪 Axel Witsel: “People treat you very well in Spain. People like me, even a guy has created some cards with my face as if I were a dinosaur, he calls it Witselsaurio. Let’s see if he gives me one.”
The “guy” is X user @andthenine_. 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/UGWbQRg7zy
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 1, 2024
Atletico are said to be €8m off in their last proposal, which included €25m guaranteed money. They are now considering alternatives, although not Clement Lenglet, who was offered to them.
This is the second time they have been said to be looking at other options, and the first time was followed by an increased offer. Hancko is believed to be the priority target for Diego Simeone, which works in favour of the deal getting done, but it Atletico may have to up their offer again.
