Officially, Atletico Madrid have already parted ways with five players this summer, with a sixth (Alvaro Morata) set to follow imminently. There will be further exits, with Stefan Savic and Horatiu Moldovan among those set to move on, while Rodrigo Riquelme could also be leaving Diego Simeone’s squad.
In recent weeks, Riquelme has been strongly linked with Roma. The Serie A giants are determined to sign the 24-year-old midfielder, who was used sparingly by Simeone last season.
Atleti are reluctant to sell Riquelme this summer, as they view him as an important squad member. However, an offer in excess of €25m could change their mind, and the player himself has not addressed speculation on his future during an interview with El Partizado de COPE.
“In football, you never know what can happen. It’s true that there are options, but I’m focused on doing pre-season with Atletico. What has to be will be.”
🚨🗣️ BREAKING – Rodrigo Riquelme: “In football, you never know what can happen. I’m focused on doing the preseason with Atleti and whatever happens, happens.”@partidazocope pic.twitter.com/DgbgUSUXAv
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 17, 2024
Given his place in Simeone’s squad, Riquelme would not be a major loss, and if a big offer were to arrive from Roma, it would allow those funds to go towards Atletico Madrid’s top targets, which include David Hancko, Mikel Merino and Julian Alvarez.
