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They won’t stop.
Diego Godín remains a target for Juventus even though he himself has rejected the many reports. The Serie A side are reportedly trying to lure him to Italy on a three-year deal. His buy-out clause is a criminally low €20 million but that, of course, is contingent on the player wanting to leave and the club wanting to get rid.
The Uruguayan is 32 and has been the backbone of Diego Simeone’s side for the best part of the last decade. Atlético Madrid are gearing up for an assault on titles on domestic soil and in Europe next season after their disappointing elimination from the Champions League in the group stage last season. Letting Godín walk and Godín wanting to walk now would be bizarre.
Antoine Griezmann has re-signed, Thomas Lemar and Rodri have come aboard to improve options in midfield and the pieces are in place to make sure Atlético are robust at the back and productive up front. There has not been any movement on Jan Oblak’s future, but the Slovene is set to stay and consistency is key for Simeone. He won’t let Godín go without a fight — assuming there is anything in these rumours.
It would also seem strange if Godín, who is the godfather to Griezmann’s child, were to leave the club right as he would be named captain now that Gabi has left. He also told the fans not to whistle Griezmann as he was thinking of staying at the end of last season.
The rumours have been persistent enough to write about though and we will be paying closer attention to this one as it progresses. Although, we assume for now that it is simply Juventus looking on from afar and engaging in some wishful thinking.
UPDATE: AS, citing La Stampa in Italy, claim Godín has rejected Juve’s advances and has instructed his agent to accept Atlético’s renewal offer — which is said to be identical to the contract the Italian champions have presented.
SECOND UPDATE: AS have published another story (en Español), in which they say the La Stampa report is false and there is, as of now, no renewal offer for Godín.