Atletico Madrid have joined the race for Giovani Lo Celso and could battle Real Betis for the Tottenham playmaker in the summer.
According to Fichajes, Giovani Lo Celso has a new suitor in place as Atletico Madrid are ready to battle Real Betis for the Argentine playmaker. The 28-year-old will enter the final year of his deal at Tottenham, and they are open to letting him leave should their demands be fulfilled in terms of transfer fees.
Atletico Madrid enter Giovani Lo Celso chase
Diego Simeone is looking to add midfielders in the window and may look at the importance of finding players that suit his system and tactical ideas. Of those, Giovani Lo Celso apparently fits the bill, and his availability in the market makes him a target for the Spanish giants.
Atletico Madrid are ready to enter the race for the 28-year-old playmaker, as they might commence talks with Tottenham over a move. Lo Celso briefly came into Ange Postecoglou’s plans last season. But injuries and a sudden dip in his form saw the chance pass by him, and now his time in North London may have come to an abrupt end.
Signed from Real Betis, Lo Celso did show some early promise. But soon, new managers thought it was best to send him on loan elsewhere, as he joined Villarreal to win the Europa League. He has had irregular playing time at Spurs, and now, with a year left on his deal, the north Londoners would instead cash in on him instead of extending his stay.
Atletico Madrid might be a good move for the Argentine, given that they are in the Champions League and could have the capability to challenge for the La Liga title. Much will depend on Tottenham’s asking price, with some previous suggestions pointing towards a potential £15 million asking price, which might be seen as high by the likes of Simeone’s side.
Real Betis ahead of Atletico Madrid in Lo Celso chase?
Real Betis are the other prominent suitor for Lo Celso, and have already opened talks with Spurs about a move. Their issue right now is to free up space in their squad before they can accommodate a player like the 28-year-old playmaker. Reports are suggesting Nabil Fekir is the player they are keen to offload, as they can financially adjust to the Argentine’s arrival.
Lo Celso is also open to joining Aston Villa and reuniting with former boss Unai Emery, with whom he spent time at Villarreal, although it’s unclear whether the Birmingham-based side hold an interest in the midfielder. However, the prospect of re-joining Betis also appeals to the Argentine star. However, any transfer movement might have to wait until the Copa America concludes, as he’s a part of Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina side.
