Atletico Madrid are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino, who is valued at around €55 million.
According to an exclusive report from El Gol Digital, Atletico Madrid are pretty much in contention to sign Roberto Firmino this summer. The Spanish giants believe that the Liverpool striker could serve as an ideal reinforcement option, with Diego Simeone keen on bolstering his attacking unit following an early exit in the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Chelsea.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Firmino further stems from fears regarding the future of Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan does have a year remaining in his contract but has a clause that could allow him to leave the club for free in the summer. Sensationally, Liverpool have emerged as a potential destination for the former Barcelona striker, whose productivity is still valued by many across Europe, including Jurgen Klopp.
The German tactician has had a difficult time dealing with injuries and lack of form from his star players this season. The absence of Diogo Jota, in particular, has hit Liverpool hard, as far as the attacking unit is concerned, especially considering how Firmino has struggled to offer that productivity while both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have not been quite consistent either.
Atletico Madrid, though, have expressed interest in the Brazilian due to his technical prowess that should serve as an ideal alternative for Joao Felix. The Portuguese sensation, in fact, faces an uncertain future at the club due to his strained relationship with Simeone as well as Atleti’s style of play that does not particularly suit.
Felix has even been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who are closely monitoring his situation at Wanda Metropolitano. As for Firmino, his arrival from Liverpool should offer Simeone some much-needed options upfront. The Argentine tactician also favours tactically versatile players, which is where the Liverpool forward’s ability to operate as a number ten or as a wide attacker could come in handy.
His departure from Anfield, though, could create a massive void in the attacking unit at Liverpool. But, for a fee of €55 million, the Reds should have enough funds to make a move for a new striker, in addition to Suarez, who is being considered as a short-term option.
Liverpool have been interestingly linked with a move Sasa Kalajdzic in recent weeks. The VfB Stuttgart striker, primarily known for his towering 200cm figure, does have the quality to emerge as a star in the Premier League, although it remains likely that the Jurgen Klopp will favour a more established option.
