AS: Simeone wants world-class signings at Atlético

Diego Simeone's post-match press conference Saturday raised quite a few eyebrows not just among Atlético Madrid supporters but around the football world. A dispirited Simeone refused to confirm that he would stay on as Atlético boss for next season, saying repeatedly that he needed time to think and reflect.

As Sierra wrote yesterday, many media outlets have twisted Simeone's actual words for their own devices and have deviated from what he actually said, which is true. What we do know, however, is that Cholo's frustration was evident after another hellish Champions League final defeat, and until we receive confirmation it is not 100% nailed-on that he will continue.

(Think about it, is it ever really certain anyone will continue at a club until they're out on the pitch?)

A report from AS on Monday implies that Simeone wants to stay; after all, he has said he wants to lead the team out at the new stadium. However, the report states that one of his conditions is world-class signings and an economic template that will allow the team to compete with Barcelona, Manchester City, Paris-Saint Germain and Real Madrid on and off the pitch. Atlético's board have demonstrated it will bend over backwards to bring Cholo the players he desires in spite of the fact the team lacks the financial might of those aforementioned teams. The latest example is the as-yet-unconfirmed signing of Benfica's Nico Gaitán, a long-term target of Simeone's.

Atleti's directors have promised that the Jackson Martínez money will be used to effectively purchase his replacement; Diego Costa and Edinson Cavani have been the two players linked most often with a move. Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo are also prepared to offer a new contract to Simeone even though he signed to 2020 last spring.

While this report is intriguing, nothing is certain until it is confirmed reliably. That said, don't be surprised if Atlético shatter its transfer fee record (Radamel Falcao, €40 million) this summer.