Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to make an offer of around €25 million to beat Juventus to the signing of Atletico Madrid star Renan Lodi.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, Juventus are interested in signing Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi in the summer transfer window. But the Bianconeri are trailing Newcastle United in pursuit of the Brazilian, with the Magpies ready to splash €25 million for the defender.
Lodi joined Atletico Madrid from Brazilian club Athletico Paranaense in the summer of 2019 and has been a fairly regular starter under Diego Simeone. So far, the 24-year-old has made 116 appearances for the Rojiblancos, scoring six goals and setting up nine more. He has enjoyed a solid 2021/22 campaign during which he has produced eight goal involvements in 40 games across all competitions.
Lodi, who has 15 caps for the Brazil national team, could be on the move this summer, with clubs circling to sign him. Juventus have shown an interest in the diminutive left-back due to the drastic decline in his compatriot Alex Sandro’s performance levels. However, Newcastle United are also in the hunt and are making a stronger case to sign the Atletico Madrid ace.
Newcastle raided Atleti during the January transfer window for Kieran Trippier. The England international proved to be a terrific addition at St James’ Park until an injury cut his season short. Having addressed their right-back problems, the Magpies have again turned to the Wanda Metropolitano for a solution to their left-back position.
Newcastle signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa in January, and he has performed well. So much so that the Tyneside outfit are planning to sign him permanently in the summer. However, with Jamal Lewis likely to be sold and Paul Dummett’s injury history, adding another left-sided full-back would be advisable for Eddie Howe.
It has led to links with several left-backs ahead of the summer window, with January target Mitchel Bakker back on the agenda for Newcastle, while Lodi has also emerged as a viable option.
Indeed, the report states that the Brazilian international is at the top of Newcastle’s wishlist for left-back reinforcements. And they are now prepared to shell out a sum of €25 million to convince Atletico Madrid to part ways with him. But considering that he still has more than three years left on his contract, the Spanish champions might demand a higher fee for Lodi.
