La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have reportedly set their sights on out-of-favour Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.
According to Spanish publication AS, Atletico Madrid are big admirers of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and could make a move for him in the summer transfer window. Lo Celso joined Villarreal on a six-month loan in January and is now set to return to the north London club.
Atletico Madrid hold a long-standing interest in the Argentine midfielder and were among the clubs interested in securing his signature in the 2019 summer transfer window. Real Betis had used their option to buy Lo Celso permanently from Paris Saint-Germain for €22 million after a season-long loan.
The Andalusian club were entertaining potential suitors for the midfielder in the same window, and Tottenham eventually emerged victorious, sealing an initial loan move which was made permanent a year later. Atletico Madrid were not able to match Betis’s demands then but have now rekindled their interest in the 26-year-old.
Lo Celso failed to get used to the rigours of English football and was loaned out by Spurs after two and a half underwhelming seasons. He has so far made 84 appearances for Tottenham, scoring eight times and assisting six goals.
At Villarreal, the Argentine was a sure-shot starter. He started all six of their UEFA Champions League knockout matches this season as the Yellow Submarine surprised all to reach the semi-finals of the competition. Lo Celso made 16 La Liga appearances as well, often being deployed as the second striker, along with centre-forward and attacking midfielder.
Atletico Madrid believe the 26-year-old will fit perfectly in their system, and manager Diego Simeone is also convinced of the midfielder’s quality. Tottenham have reportedly offered the midfielder to Atletico Madrid as well. But they may have to wait on potential departures before making a move for Lo Celso.
The report claims that while Hector Herrera’s departure has opened a midfield vacancy, the club are still waiting for more clarity on Thomas Lemar’s future. Moreover, the Rojiblancos are also in the market for central midfielder Carlos Soler, which could affect their pursuit of the Tottenham mid.
Lemar has just a year remaining on his contract, so if Atletico Madrid decide to sell him this summer, they will be left needing two midfield signings. In that case, both Soler and Lo Celso can be bought. Villarreal are also said to be eager on signing Lo Celso permanently. Therefore, Atletico will have to offer improved terms to lure the Argentine from Tottenham to Wanda Metropolitano.
