Atletico Madrid are in concrete talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka before the winter transfer window deadline (h/t Marca).
They have pulled the plug on the deals for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes and Atalanta’s Ederson due to their hefty price tags.
Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany has now identified Goretzka as a low-cost midfield target.
The 30-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Bayern have no plans to renew it.
The Bavarians could also be open to parting ways with the German international due to his limited role this season.
Despite being a regular in the Bundesliga, Goretzka has played only 60 minutes in the Champions League.
Alemany has accelerated contacts with the German star’s entourage to secure an early transfer rather than signing him as a free agent in the summer.
Los Rojiblancos are planning to offset his high wages by offering him a contract until 2028.
Following Connor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico are looking to bring in a high-quality midfielder.
The Spanish giants are also working on attacking reinforcements, lining up Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus as potential targets.
They tried to sign Lookman last summer, but the Serie A giants blocked his departure after being steadfast on their valuation.
The Nigerian still wants to leave after failing to secure a move to Inter Milan last summer.
Signing Jesus from Forest will not be easy either, but his desire to play for Atletico could give them an edge.
The 24-year-old has bagged nine goals and an assist in all competitions this season.
