Diego Simeone closes in on new signing as Atletico Madrid and Napoli near agreement after €20m bid

Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli celebrates after scoring

Atletico Madrid are close to signing Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli after making progress in talks over a €20 million (£17m/$21.5m) transfer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to MARCA, Atletico are in advanced talks with Napoli over Raspadori. Negotiations began with Napoli valuing the forward at €30m (£25m/$32m) and Atletico offering €20m (£17m/$21.5m). Recent progress including flexible payment terms from the Italian side has brought the deal close to completion. Raspadori has already hinted to team-mates and friends that his move to Wanda Metropolitano is imminent.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

If the deal goes through, Raspadori would become Atletico’s seventh signing of the summer. The Italy international has won two Serie A titles in his three seasons at Gli Azzurri and is viewed by Simeone as a dynamic, modern forward who can add mobility and depth to the attack. His arrival would also increase competition for starting spots, especially with Los Rojiblancos aiming to challenge in La Liga and Europe.

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The 25-year-old is admired for his versatility and is able to play as a central striker, second forward or winger. Atletico’s sporting director Carlos Bucero is convinced that his technical ability, work rate and tactical intelligence make him a perfect fit for Simeone’s high-energy system. The club see him as a long-term asset who can grow into a leading attacking role, much like Antoine Griezmann did in his early years at the club.

Napoli v Genoa - Serie A

WHAT NEXT FOR RASPADORI AND ATLETICO MADRID?

Final details of the transfer, including payment structure and potential add-ons, are being ironed out. Once agreed, Raspadori is expected to travel to Madrid for his medical and could join Atletico training as early as next week. Los Rojiblancos face Newcastle in a pre-season friendly this weekend before kicking off their La Liga campaign on August 17 against Espanyol.