Three Premier League-based players on Atletico wish-list.
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Atletico Madrid have reportedly set their sights on three Premier League-based players as they look to strengthen their squad for next season, according to the Daily Star.
The Spanish champions have had to cope with three of their own star players leaving for England this summer, with Chelsea raiding their title-winning squad for star striker Diego Costa and left-back Filipe Luis, while Thibaut Courtois has returned to Stamford Bridge after a three-year loan spell at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone has managed to bring in some good signings as replacements, and his spending is not finished yet as he eyes three big names from leading Premier League sides to come in and enhance his attacking options.
3) Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)
With Diego Costa leaving something of a gap upfront for Atletico, it looks as though they could line up a move for Manchester United misfit Javier Hernandez. The Mexican international has shown himself to be a reliable goalscorer with great instincts in the penalty area, even if his form of late hasn’t been his best. United have many options upfront and may be happy to let Hernandez go as he looks to have slipped to fourth choice at Old Trafford, and he could benefit from an opportunity to make a new start at a different club.
2) Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
A once-great Premier League striker, Fernando Torres started his glittering career with boyhood club Atletico Madrid and could now make an emotional return to the club. The 30-year-old has continued to struggle since he joined Chelsea from Liverpool back in 2011, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Jose Mourinho felt he could let him go this summer. A potentially useful signing for Atletico if he can get back to anything like his best form, but both he and Hernandez represent something of a gamble upfront for Simeone.
1) Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
An ambitious target given his importance to this Arsenal side, Atletico Madrid are reportedly also keen on Spanish playmaker Santi Cazorla. The 29-year-old has been terrific for the Gunners since he joined from Malaga in the summer of 2012, and he is now wanted back in La Liga. The skillful attacking midfielder would no doubt be a great addition for Simeone’s side, and it may be that he will find it harder to get into the Arsenal team now with the signing of Alexis Sanchez in attack.