In the final weeks of the transfer window, Atletico Madrid are hoping to sign a new defensive midfielder.
That need has intensified over the past 24 hours, with Captain Koke suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action for at least a month.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been Atlético’s top target in recent weeks, although Paris Saint-Germain are still interested in Marco Verratti. The Italian isn’t part of Luis Enrique’s plans for this season so a departure is likely.
However, at this stage Atlético cannot afford to sign Verratti, who has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Despite this, brand reports that the Colchoneros believe PSG could lower their demands as the end of the transfer window nears.
Atletico Madrid also believe the lure of the Champions League, as well as playing under Diego Simeone, could persuade Verratti to join the Spanish capital. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case.
