Premier League sides Manchester City and West Ham United are both showing interest in Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia.
According to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are preparing for a summer overhaul and manager Diego Simeone has identified midfield as an area that needs a complete restructure. The reigning La Liga champions could thus part ways with three of their midfielders in Thomas Lemar, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Koke.
Lemar has failed to cement a spot in Simeone’s starting lineups since he arrived from AS Monaco and could be set for a return to France. The likes of Lyon, Marseille and Monaco are all exploring the possibility of signing the midfielder and could move in for him this summer should the Rojiblancos decide to sell him.
Koke, on the other hand, has been sub-par over the last couple of seasons and has struggled to maintain consistency. The Spanish international is no longer the midfield behemoth that he once was for Atletico Madrid.
Kondogbia’s case is not as straightforward. The Frenchman has become an integral part of Simeone’s system at the club and has probably been their best midfielder recently. The Argentine tactician is not ready to part ways with the former Valencia star, who still has over two years left on his contract with Atletico Madrid.
As per the aforementioned report, the 29-year-old’s solid performance in the middle of the park for the Rojiblancos is attracting interest from the Premier League. West Ham United and Manchester City are both exploring the possibility of getting the defensive midfielder on board.
The Hammers are preparing for a summer overhaul to continue challenging for European spots and have identified Kondogbia as a possible signing. With Alex Kral unlikely to be signed permanently and Mark Noble retiring, West Ham could do with adding depth in midfield, making Kondogbia a viable target.
Manchester City, too, are monitoring the midfielder’s situation. The Cityzens are preparing for life without Fernandinho, who is set to leave on a free transfer after the ongoing season. The Brazilian has been a great servant for the club since joining them from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 and will be a big miss once he moves on this summer.
While Rodri will be the first-choice defensive midfielder, Pep Guardiola’s side will need a backup, with Kondogbia emerging as a target. It remains to be seen if the Cityzens do actually press ahead with their interest in the 29-year-old Atletico Madrid star.