Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing a shock swoop for Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, who will be a free agent in the summer.
According to a report from Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are planning to sign three players from fellow La Liga clubs in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale among the stars being targeted.
Bale has been with Real Madrid since 2013 when he arrived from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He enjoyed a fine start to his career in Spain, winning the UEFA Champions League in his debut season, while he also played a hand in the club’s subsequent European success under Zinedine Zidane.
However, recurring injuries and a falling out with the French tactician saw Bale become out of favour at Real Madrid. The Welsh international has struggled for game-time at the Santiago Bernabeu over the past couple of years, even though he continues to turn up for the national team and perform well.
Bale spent the last season on loan at Tottenham and, upon returning, he has again found playing time hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti this term. With his contract expiring at the end of the ongoing season, the 32-year-old is certain to pack his bags and move on in the summer transfer window.
A return to Tottenham has been spoken about but is unlikely to materialise. There have been links with Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal as well, while Bale is also attracting interest from the USA.
Now, Atletico Madrid have also emerged as potential suitors for Bale, despite their intense rivalry with Real Madrid. The Rojiblancos have endured a difficult 2021/22 season. They are looking to add more quality to their squad over the summer to challenge for the title after a meek submission this season.
Attack is an area where Atletico need reinforcements as Luis Suarez is likely to depart upon the expiry of his contract in the summer. Furthermore, Matheus Cunha has not performed as expected. So, adding more options to the frontline would make sense for the current Spanish champions.
Bale, to that end, has emerged as a target even though he has hardly played for Real Madrid this season. The report states that Simeone understands the risk involved but believes he can be a handy signing if things click. It remains to be seen if such a move materialises.