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Both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are looking for a striker this summer. They have both looked in the direction of Sevilla for their man and while Kevin Gameiro was reportedly close to a deal with Atletico, Sport report that the Frenchman is on his way to La Liga’s champions.
The 29-year-old was a last minute exclusion from Sevilla’s squad that took on Sandhausen yesterday, and when photos emerged of him and Monchi - Sevilla’s transfer guru - in the stands with Monchi glued to his phone, the rumour mill really got going.
#SevillaFC #Gameiro en la grada,se queda fuera por precaución ante su inminente salida (via @rguevara8 ) pic.twitter.com/qNMLVgYhwV
— Joaquin Rodriguez (@jrlawrance) July 24, 2016
The problem is, Mundo Deportivo refuted these reports by Sport and said Barcelona said there was no agreement whatsoever. Sport then got their story straight by saying Atletico had made a counteroffer and Gameiro would make his decision soon. In gambling parlance, this is referred to as ‘hedging your bets’, maybe.
Luciano Vietto remains a target for both Sevilla and Barcelona and it would seem strange that Barcelona would pay almost double what Atletico are looking for from a Vietto sale for a 29-year-old back-up.
Vietto could still stay at Atletico after his goal (we know, it was an own goal but he did really well for it) against Numancia and the fact that he is young and could still come good.
Either way, there is a mini-battle going on here between the three clubs with Sevilla in the best position and Atletico relying on Vietto’s decision, Barcelona’s next move and Sevilla’s willingness to sell Gameiro.
It’s a strange one so stay tuned and we will keep you posted.