Atletico Madrid seem determined to sign a new left-back this summer, and a new name has appeared at the top of their wish list. Los Colchoneros had long been linked with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, but he now seems to have fallen down the priority list.
The club was initially interested in Alvaro Carreras before Real Madrid made their entry, and had talks with AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez as well. These negotiations did not lead to anything, and Hernandez is now expected to sign for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The two names that were most strongly linked to Atletico Madrid were Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne. Liverpool have reportedly been open to letting Robertson leave for between €5-10 million.
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Matteo Ruggeri appears as a new target
According to Marca, Atalanta left-back Matteo Ruggeri is now Atletico’s new number one priority. The 22-year-old has impressed for Italy’s U21 national team at the European Championships this summer, and has now surpassed both Robertson and Digne on the club’s wish list. Ruggeri has a contract until 2028, and one of the main reasons for Atletico’s interest is his age, as the club wants to make a rejuvenation of the squad.
Matteo Moretto goes a step further and claims that only details separate Atalanta and Atletico from a deal. The negotiations have been conducted in secret, and the talks are well advanced.
Query for Carlos Augusto
Meanwhile, another Serie A full-back is also on the radar, according to Diario AS. Atletico have asked about 26-year-old Carlos Augusto, who currently plays for Inter. Augusto has a contract until 2028, and Inter are said to be unwilling to let him go for less than €25 million – a sum that could make a move to the Metropolitano difficult.
This season, Diego Simeone has mostly had to rely on Javi Galan and Reinildo Mandava at left-back, but neither of them has impressed. Bringing in a new left-back seems to be a priority along with a midfielder and a playmaker.
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