Arsenal man could arrive in Madrid…
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Atletico Madrid won La Liga last term, and got to the final of the Champions League. However, with Chelsea signing their star striker, taking their goalkeeper back, and possibly bringing in the left-back too – Diego Simeone’s outfit might look very different in 2014/15!
Could this side retain the title…?
GK) Jan Oblak
Reports in the Spanish press, claim that the Benfica man has already passes a medical with the Spanish champions ahead of a €20m move, to replace the departing Thibaut Courtois, who’s going back to his parent club Chelsea.
DR) Juanfran
The Spanish right-back was excellent last term, and played a vital role in both the domestic success and the European run.
DC) Miranda
Manchester United were interested in the Brazilian, but after selling Diego Costa, Atletico have promised fans that Miranda, Diego Godin and Koke will all remain for the 2014/15 campaign, and after they won La Liga, we see no reason why this won’t be the case.
DC) Diego Godin
The feisty Uruguayan leads the defence, and prides himself on his no-nonsense attitude and his excellent marshalling of the back line.
DL) Guilherme Siqueira
The Brazilian has arrived from Granada for £9m to replace Filipe Luis, who is expected to join Chelsea for around £20m.
MC) Gabi
Gabi provides a superb anchor in midfield from which the rest of the side can perform. He’s very underrated, and bar the ‘keeper, no Atletico player played more matches last season than the Spanish battler.
MC) Raul Garcia
Garcia’s rangy presence means he’s excellent at defending set-pieces, but he often gets on the end of them offensively as well. Last term he was used in rotation, but with Thiago likely to leave, he could nail down a starting spot. Saul Niguez, who’s been out on loan, could return and compete for a starting spot as well.
AMC) Koke
The real gem in Atletico’s side, Koke provides the guile and creativity in a slightly advanced midfield role. He can press and work hard defensively also, but it’s his remarkable vision when he has the ball at his feet which makes him so special.
AMR) Arda Turan
The Turkish winger, when fit, can dribble, pass, and scored goals himself. He’s effortlessly classy, and despite recent links to Liverpool, we reckon he’ll remain with Diego Simeone’s men.
AML) Santi Cazorla
With Arsenal having signed Alexis Sanchez, Santi Cazorla’s chances of a guaranteed starting spot are hugely diminished, and Atletico could take advantage of the fact and put in a €20m offer for the Spaniard – who is apparently keen on returning to his homeland.
FC) Mario Mandzukic
The Croatian forward, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich, has signed a four year contract with last season’s Champions League runners-up. He’ll have some job on his hands though to replace the goals of Diego Costa, who’s joined Chelsea.
