Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has reportedly emerged as a potential target for Atletico Madrid as they look for a replacement for Kieran Trippier.
A recent report from AS has offered an update on Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of a new right-back. The reigning Spanish champions are scouring the market for an ideal replacement for Kieran Trippier and have identified three potential candidates, including Manchester United starlet Diogo Dalot.
Atletico Madrid lost Trippier earlier in the window as the Englishman joined Newcastle United on a permanent deal. Trippier’s departure has left a massive void in the club’s right-back department, with Sime Vrsaljko the only remaining recognised option in the position for coach Diego Simeone.
In an attempt to replace the English international, Simeone has set his sights on Dalot. The Manchester United defender has endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford since joining the club in 2018. In almost three and a half years, he has mustered only 48 competitive appearances, though he did spend the 2020/21 campaign on loan at AC Milan.
Dalot’s fortunes at Manchester United have shifted a bit after the appointment of Ralf Rangnick, though. Three of his four starts in the Premier League this term have come under the German tactician, although the right-back’s future at Old Trafford is far from secure.
Earlier in the season, the former FC Porto starlet was courted by AS Roma. But the Giallorossi have ended up signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles this month, with Jose Mourinho preferring the Arsenal utility man due to his greater experience in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, Dalot may still end up leaving Manchester United, with Atletico Madrid emerging as a potential destination. As mentioned earlier, Los Colchoneros are in the market for a new right-back, and the Portuguese international fits the bill perfectly due to his attacking prowess and tactical versatility.
He could thus be an ideal fit for Simeone’s setup at Wanda Metropolitano, although it will be a challenge for Atleti to convince Manchester United to sanction the sale or even a loan deal for Dalot this month.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for a new right-back in Tariq Lamptey, but they will be wary of offloading Dalot in January, especially amid Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s poor performances. Not to mention, Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly slapped a £40 million price tag on Lamptey, making a January move almost impossible.
Fortunately for Atletico Madrid, they have no shortage of options. In addition to Dalot, Simeone is keeping a close eye on Sevilla’s Daniel Wass, who is the priority target, and Juventus’s Mattia De Sciglio. They have been linked with a move for Ajax’s emerging star Noussair Mazraoui as well, although there might be stiff competition from FC Barcelona.
