The transfer market is in turmoil at the Metropolitano after Inter Milan’s defeat in the Champions League final. Lautaro Martínez, the Italian club’s captain and top scorer, has left the door open for a move away from the club, and Atlético Madrid are positioning themselves as one of the leading candidates to secure his services for the 2025/26 season.
But it has to be sold in order to sign the World Cup winner. Antoine Griezmann is a must, while Alexander Sørloth will probably also have to be sold.
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Atlético Madrid’s interest in Lautaro Martínez is not new, but it has gained momentum after the European final and provided a real opportunity for Antoine Griezmann to end his time at Atlético this summer. The Madrid club considers the Argentine the ideal replacement to lead the attack and maintain his competitive level in both La Liga and Europe. Simeone, a great admirer of the striker, sees Lautaro as the perfect match: intensity, assists, leadership skills and elite experience.
The conditions of operation: a high-profile signing
The arrival of Lautaro Martínez will not be easy. The striker has a contract with Inter until 2029 and is valued at around €95 million, although the Italian club has not ruled out negotiations if the player asks to leave after winning everything except the Champions League. Atlético Madrid are willing to make a significant financial effort, knowing that the deal will only be viable if Griezmann leaves the club, which will free up wages and enable the transfer.
Lautaro is looking for a new challenge after a spell at Inter.
Lautaro Martínez has been a key player at Inter, where he has won national and international titles and become one of the world’s best strikers. After losing the Champions League final, the Argentine has hinted that he is looking for a new challenge in his career, and the opportunity to join LaLiga and work with Simeone is particularly appealing. The cultural proximity, Atlético’s ambitious project and the possibility of leading the attack alongside Julián Álvarez are factors that could tip the scales in favour of the Colchoneros.
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In other words, the plan is to build up a strong attack around Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez while Alexander Sørloth, who is La Liga’s most effective goalscorer, will sit on the bench or be sold.
International competition and market context
Atlético is not the only club interested: Premier League giants such as Arsenal have also expressed willingness to bid heavily for Lautaro, and have even prepared bids of over 100 million euros. However, the player’s preference for Spain and Simeone’s influence could be the key to the Argentine striker choosing the Metropolitano as his next destination.
