The Daily Rojiblanco: August 9, 2017

• Red tape delaying new stadium infrastructure

With just over five weeks to go before Atlético Madrid’s first scheduled home match against Málaga on Sept. 17, construction of their new home, Estadio Wanda Metrapolitano, is humming along.

However, AS is reporting that improvements to the infrastructure around the stadium have hit a brief (hopefully) roadblock as workers await authorization from the Ministry of Public Works to begin work on an extension of the M-40. The roadway will service the stadium and its surrounding neighborhoods.

As is often the case, these things have a way of sorting themselves out sooner or later. Let’s hope everything is squared away in time for the stadium’s big day in mid-September.

In the meantime, enjoy this epic time-lapse video of the roof construction, compliments of the Wanda Metropolitano’s official Twitter feed.

• Argentine sources suggest Lautaro Martínez transfer is nearing close

A few weeks ago we wrote about the potential transfer of 19-year-old Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez from Racing Club. Now sources in Argentina are reporting that Martínez’s agent is in Madrid to get the transfer over the finish line.

Few details have changed since the initial reports with Atlético expected to activate the player’s €9 million buyout clause and then loan him back to Racing as they wait out their registration ban.

• Atleti to offer Jan Oblak new contract

As we noted yesterday, Atlético are preparing a new contract for Oblak amidst reports that Paris Saint-Germain have their sights on the goalkeeper.

A report in Marca suggests a primary purpose of the new contract is to increase the buyout clause for Oblak from €100 million to €150 million, while rewarding Oblak with a pay raise. Such a move would bring Oblak’s contract in line with similar extensions signed by Koke and Saul earlier this summer.

Talking Point: With Atleti taking measures to ward off PSG and Barcelona aiming to spend big to replace Neymar, the fallout of this summer’s buzziest transfer is just beginning. Do you think PSG’s big move is a positive for the global game, or have things gone too far too fast? Let us know in the comments!