Atletico Madrid are reportedly keeping tabs on Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino over a move for next summer.
According to a report from Fichajes, La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are looking to improve their attacking options at the end of the season. The Spanish behemoths are keen on signing the likes of Marcus Rashford, Roberto Firmino and Leandro Trossard.
All three players will be out of contract next summer, and it seems that Diego Simeone is looking to snap up a few bargains to add more depth and quality to his attacking unit.
Roberto Firmino is in his twilight years, but the veteran Liverpool forward is an exceptional option to have. His footballing intelligence, work ethic and versatility are second to none and he could prove to be an asset for the Spanish club.
The Brazilian international is much more than just a goal scorer and will improve Simeone’s side creatively. Liverpool decided to part with Sadio Mane in the summer, and given Firmino’s decline, it will not be surprising if the Reds agree to let the player leave on a free transfer.
Furthermore, Firmino will be available on a free transfer, and there is no doubt that he will improve Atletico Madrid. In addition to that, it would be no-risk acquisitions as well. The Spanish capital club will need to improve their squad in order to challenge the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. And picking up a few bargains like Firmino along the way can only help their cause.
The Brazilian attacker has already achieved as much as he could have with Liverpool, and the opportunity to join Atletico Madrid could be a tempting proposition for him. South American players have always had an affinity for Spanish football, and Atletico Madrid could be an exciting challenge for Firmino at this stage of his career.
Furthermore, Liverpool have not offered Firmino a contract extension yet, which might suggest that his long-term future is not a top priority for the Merseyside giants. Also, the Brazilian is no longer the first-choice striker for Liverpool following the signing of Darwin Nunez from Benfica.
Given his age and regression, Firmino is likely to keep falling down the pecking order at Anfield and moving away from the Premier League club could be ideal for him. Firmino has already shown his quality in the Bundesliga as well, and he will be keen to prove himself in another top European league like La Liga by joining Atletico Madrid if he leaves Liverpool.