Atlético Madrid Transfers: 5 Strikers Los Rojiblancos Could Realistically Target This Summer
As we looked into the other day, Atlético Madrid may well be on the hunt for a new forward this summer as talismanic target man Diego Costa could depart the Metropolitano in the next few months.
There are plenty of names linked with filling this hole at the Spanish club, who currently sit sixth in La Liga but remain in the Champions League; despite the possibility that European football will be cancelled for the season in the near future.
Here at 90min, we have assessed the realistic targets that Atléti could bring in this summer and their likely cost. Have a look at what we've come up with and as always, feel free to tell us what you think.
Luka Jović
Serbian striker Jović is only in his first season with Madrid rivals Real, so the chances of him hopping over could be seen to be slim.
He's struggled for both games and goals since his move from Frankfurt last summer though, failing to adapt to playing backup to Karim Benzema and clearly not impressing Zinedine Zidane. His lockdown antics haven't been smiled upon either – and Real are in the market to offload him for a little while at the least.
The stumbling block, however, could be Jović's wages, as he is currently on a mammoth £170,000 a week and with the global football economy at a standstill, it would be a challenge to honour something anywhere close to that at the moment.
Potential Price: Loan or £45m-£55m
Alexandre Lacazette
French striker Lacazette has had a mixed season at Arsenal, where he has struggled to maintain a starting place under new manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners' new boss has favoured youngster Eddie Nketiah in recent (well, 'recent') Premier League games, meaning Lacazette has been confined to Europa League nights. That being said, he hasn't spoken of any desire to leave Arsenal.
But in recent weeks, he has been heavily rumoured to be part of swap deal – with Atletico's Thomas Partey going the other way to the Emirates. If this was to come to fruition, it would certainly provide a fix for Atlético in an attacking sense, despite losing one of their best midfielders. Lacazette is mobile, hard working and a great finisher, something Simeone will definitely welcome in his team.
Potential Price: Swap Deal or £40m-50m
Wout Weghorst
Giant Dutch striker Weghorst is making waves in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg and may favour a move to a side with more European pedigree to fulfil his career ambitions.
The 26 year-old 6'6 forward, who was recalled by his national team before the global shutdown, is well renowned for his aerial ability and hold-up play, but also has a lethal finish inside the box with good natural instincts.
His stat-line of 33 goals in 70 games for the German side thus far suggests he has the talent to be a success at a top club, and the move could provide a whole new attacking threat for Atlético moving forward.
Potential Price: £20m-£30m
Duván Zapata
Another player who has had a breakthrough couple of seasons, although in this case, slightly later in his career. Colombian striker Zupata, after hopping around Serie A clubs for several years, has finally found a home at Atalanta where he has bagged an impressive 12 goals in 19 games so far this season.
On top of his impressive stats last campaign where he picked up 23 goals in all competitions, Zupata has made a name for himself as a powerful target man and someone you can build your attacking play around.
At 29, he may not have youth on his side but he is experienced, physically intimidating and has international pedigree, having scored twice during his country's Copa America campaign last summer. Could be a great value option for Atléti.
Potential Price: £25m-35m
Alexander Sørloth
One of the great modern day turnaround stories. Norwegian striker Sørloth was totally written off two seasons ago, and couldn't even get a game ahead of Christian Benteke for Crystal Palace.
What a difference a loan spell can make. Yes, he plays in Turkey with Trabzonspor who aren't exactly European football heavyweights but you can't deny his record this season is among the best. A run of 25 goals in 39 games has turned heads and, at just 24, he has time to remake himself.
To complete the comeback, remarkably, he has been linked with Bayern Munich and AC Milan in recent months. Whether he could cut it in one of the best teams in Europe is another question, but...well, he's certainly different.
Potential Price: £15m-£25m