Atletico Madrid are ramping up their efforts to sign Marco Verratti and have made direct contact with Paris Saint-Germain over his transfer, according to L’Equipe.
Rumours of Atletico’s interest in the Italian midfielder are gaining ground, with manager Diego Simeone a huge admirer of the Les Parisiens star.
No offer has been submitted to PSG, but Verratti could be enticed by the prospect of playing for Los Rojiblancos.
With a contract running until 2026, Les Parisiens value him at around €80 million, whereas Atletico feel the valuation is inflated and he is only worth half the price.
Given their difficult financial situation, the Spanish giants could only proceed in the transfer talks if PSG are willing to negotiate the fee.
The 30-year-old, who has been a regular for PSG for a decade, is in the prime years of his career and would be a statement signing for Atletico.
With bags of experience under his belt and the status as one of the world’s best central midfielders, Atletico couldn’t ask for a better player in their search for midfield reinforcements this summer.
Although the Italian appears open to trying out a new challenge, PSG’s new manager Luis Enrique may try to convince him to stay at the club as he is a big fan of Verratti.
Liverpool and Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal are also in contention for Verratti.
Al-Hilal recently sent delegates to the French capital in an attempt to sign the Italian international, but he rebuffed the offer.
The Merseysiders could miss out on Verratti because of the absence of Champions League football, the trophy that continues to evade the Italian international.
