Atletico Madrid are reportedly looking to snap up Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in the summer.
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Carlos Bucero calling the shots at Atletico
Elaborate summer blueprint already in placePartey, Romero & several others are on the radarFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Spanish outlet, Atletico’s top brass are determined to strengthen key areas across the pitch this summer, with Director of Football Carlos Bucero leading the club’s recruitment strategy. He has zeroed in on three areas that he believes need urgent attention: a left-back, a left-sided winger, and additional reinforcements through the spine of the team, including a deep-lying midfielder and a central defender.
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Atletico’s first priority is to completely overhaul the left flank, which has underperformed this season. On the wing, Villarreal’s Alex Baena has emerged as a serious option. Though Baena’s release clause stands at €60 million (£51m/$68m), sources suggest that Villarreal may be open to negotiating a lower fee. Atalanta's Ademola Lookman was also considered as a winger option, but the Serie A star is reportedly beyond their budget.
Central defence is another key concern for Diego Simeone’s side, and Atletico have reportedly initiated discussions with Tottenham over a possible deal for Cristian Romero. The Argentine has become one of Spurs’ most consistent performers, but prising him away won’t be easy or cheap. The north London club is said to have placed a €70m (£60m/$80m) valuation on the centre-back.
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Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who previously spent several years at Atletico before moving to the Premier League, is also high on Bucero’s shortlist. The Ghanaian, who has struggled with injuries and limited game time in North London, is seen as the ideal candidate to anchor the midfield. Meanwhile, a forward is being sought to add firepower up front, and another winger, someone with a profile similar to current player Samuel Lino, is also under consideration.
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The end goal of this summer’s transfer blitz is to restore balance and strength to a squad that has struggled for consistency. With aspirations of challenging for La Liga and progressing further in Europe, Atletico’s potential additions — including Partey and Romero — could reshape the team’s tactical structure and offer Simeone more depth across the board.