Atletico Madrid have reopened talks for Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada over a potential free transfer, as per Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo.
Kamada was top of their wishlist before AC Milan moved up the queue to sign him.
However, the deal appears to be off, with Milan signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and prioritising a move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
This has allowed Atletico to revive their pursuit of the Japanese international, who is also wanted by Serie A champions Napoli.
Kamada saw his popularity grow following his excellent stint at Eintracht Frankfurt – helping them win the Europa League in 2020/21 – and after featuring in the last year’s World Cup in Qatar.
The 26-year-old enjoyed his most productive season last term, bagging 16 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
Primarily an attacking midfielder, Kamada also excelled as a central midfielder under Oliver Glasner last season.
Kamada has been viewed as a replacement for Joao Felix, as he also can play as a second striker or a false nine.
However, with the presence of Antoine Griezmann, the Japanese midfielder could only find a place in midfield in the current Atletico squad.
Diego Simeone wants to bolster his options ahead of next season, and a holding midfielder is his priority.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti, Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sofyan Amrabat are among Atletico’s desired targets.
Los Rojiblancos are also keeping tabs on Real Sociedad’s talented midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but his asking price reduces the chances of his signing.
Atletico have added Javi Galan, Caglar Soyuncu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Santiago Mourinho to their ranks in the summer transfer window.
