Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has requested the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani as a stipulation for renewing his contract with the La Liga club, according to the French publication L’Equipe.
L’Equipe goes on to claim Atletico defender Diego Godin was handed the task of recruiting his Uruguay international teammate to the Vicente Calderon. Cavani reportedly was pleased with the interest and a follow up conversation between Simeone and the striker took place.
The report states Simeone believes Cavani, Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres would ensure Atletico Madrid could continue competing with Europe’s top clubs. It also goes on to say the club is considering selling some of its marquee players in order to pay for Cavani’s transfer fee.
In the past few weeks, midfielder Arda Turan and centre-back Miranda have been linked with moves away from the Spanish capital this summer.
Whether or not Simeone has requested the signing of the Uruguayan striker as part of his contract renewal will not be determined until the manager signs an extension and/or Cavani joins the La Liga side in the summer.
Simeone recently confirmed the club had offered him a contract renewal, with all parties involved believing an agreement would be reached.
“It’s clear that I’m very happy at the club and I love Atletico Madrid,” Simeone said in late February. “We’re seeking to continue this project we kicked of three years ago and both parties are equally enthusiastic and eager about the idea.”
“Hopefully we will remain on the same page, as we always have been up to now, and we can continue working towards our goal of making Atletico bigger.”
The manager has always expressed he would remain with the club, provided it continues to grow both on and off the pitch.
Atletico Madrid announced it had reached an agreement with Chinese businessman Wang Jialinm which allowed his company (Dalian Wanda Group) to purchase a 20% stake in Atletico Madrid. The deal would provide the Spanish club with the ideal platform to expand its brand globally through the Chinese company’s commercial properties across Europe, Asia and the United States.
Just yesterday it was learned the Spanish club was preparing to announce a summer tour of China.
