Football BaBe
Atletico Madrid’s €30m Push for Napoli’s Giacomo Raspadori
In the heated summer transfer market of 2024, Atletico Madrid is making bold moves to strengthen their squad, eyeing top talents like Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli with a substantial bid. As clubs scramble to finalize deals before the window closes, this pursuit highlights Atletico’s ambition to reclaim dominance in La Liga and beyond.
Atletico Madrid Prepares €30m Offer for Raspadori Amid Napoli Negotiations
- Atletico line up €30m bid for Raspadori
- Napoli asking for more from Spanish side
- Gonzales also on Simeone’s list
Reports from Sky indicate that Atletico Madrid has tabled a €30 million (£26m/$34m) proposal, incorporating performance-based incentives, yet Napoli is insisting on a higher figure of €35 million (£30m/$40m), also with add-ons. If the deal for Raspadori doesn’t materialize, Atletico has identified Juventus forward Nico Gonzalez as an alternative target, though they must contend with strong interest from Inter Milan.
Strategic Squad Overhaul at Atletico Madrid
Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico, has set his sights on achieving a domestic and European treble this campaign, prompting a flurry of acquisitions-seven in total, featuring talents like David Hancko from Feyenoord. Despite these additions, the team has seen key departures such as Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Correa, with Thomas Lemar possibly on his way out too. While Alex Baena’s arrival provides some reinforcement, the attacking line still needs more depth. Atletico explored a move for Atalanta‘s Ademola Lookman, but the Nigerian international turned them down, expressing a preference solely for Inter Milan.
Expanding Targets: Enzo Millot and Beyond
In addition to forwards, Atletico is actively pursuing Stuttgart’s versatile midfielder Enzo Millot, having already secured personal agreements and planning to trigger his buyout clause. This move aligns with their strategy to build a balanced roster capable of competing on multiple fronts, especially after recent seasons where midfield creativity has been a weak point-evidenced by their 2023-24 La Liga stats showing only 12 assists from central players.
Hopes for a Swift Resolution in Transfers
Atletico remains optimistic about sealing the agreement with Napoli for Raspadori without further hitches. On the player’s side, Raspadori is eager for clarity on his next chapter, particularly since Napoli’s manager Antonio Conte has made him available for transfer to generate capital for fresh signings. With the transfer deadline approaching on August 30, 2024, both parties are under pressure to conclude negotiations efficiently, potentially reshaping Napoli’s attacking options as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 10th-place finish last season.