Atlético reportedly in talks over two Monaco players

Atlético Madrid are reportedly interested, and in negotiations over, two AS Monaco players. Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have travelled to France to speak with the Ligue 1 side over the sale of Thomas Lemar and a deal could be had, according to a report in AS.

The winger has constantly been linked with a move away from Monaco in recent seasons but nothing has materialized. Arsenal and Liverpool have both been interested in the past but Atlético could be set to land the player, having sent delegates to speak about his potential sale.

Meanwhile, full back Djibril Sidibé remains a target and Atlético even if a deal is less likely. Šime Vrsaljko has failed to convince in Diego Simeone’s side and Juanfran is getting more injury-prone as he ages — a burst of youth needed for the right-back position. A report from France suggests personal terms have been agreed, and Sidibé would be the perfect antidote for a problematic position in the rojiblanco side.

Monaco have one of the better records for developing young players in Europe and have shifted from being a buying club to a selling one. They sold Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoué Bakayoko and Bernardo Silva last summer for huge money. This summer they have already sold Fabinho to Liverpool and whether they are willing to part with two more important pieces of their puzzle remains to be seen. It will likely depend on who offers them the best deal.

That’s where one could argue that a potential Lemar deal will stall. Monaco are said to want €90 million for their 22-year-old winger and Atlético face heavy competition from England for his services. Atleti don’t have that money lying around and would have to make at least one major sale to generate it.