Simeone remains enamoured with Juan Cuadrado

Reports in Italy suggest that Diego Simeone has not given up hope of eventually signing Juan Cuadrado from Chelsea. Atletico Madrid's summer outlay of €136 million will not prevent Simeone from eventually landing the Colombian, who he remains enamoured with.

The Colombian's move to Chelsea from Fiorentina during the winter transfer window was an unmitigated disaster. A move to Juventus has reinvigorated the Colombian but with Juventus struggling in Serie A and Chelsea still owning his rights, it remains up to the London club as to what happens with the winger.

Bidding war

Juventus paid €1.8 million as a loan fee for the year but Chelsea will be interested in recouping as much of the €30 million they paid for the winger in February 2015. Atletico Madrid might be in a better position to offer Chelsea as much of that money as possible and the two clubs have a strong working relationship that was only solidified with recent transfers of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois.

It is highly unlikely that Cuadrado returns to Chelsea although that depends on what happens at the club regarding their current manager. Clubs are aware that Cuadrado was a flop there and might not be as willing to pay top dollar if Chelsea are desperate to get him off their books. What Chelsea will enjoy is the thought of Juventus and Atletico getting involved in somewhat of a bidding war. Cuadrado remains one of the better players at his position in the world and when given the opportunity he can be a game changer at the highest level.

Cuadrado's ability in one-on-one situations, his pace and his incisiveness are all factors that Simeone admires in Cuadrado. Los Rojiblancos have been misfiring at the start of this year with only Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres the only returning characters from last year's attack.

Cuadrado will be desperate to get back to his best form and the capital of Spain under the tutelage of Diego Simeone might be the best place to do that.