Atlético expected to confirm Kalinić transfer this week

Reports from Spain and Italy state that AC Milan forward Nikola Kalinić will have his medical on Tuesday and then complete a permanent move to Atlético Madrid.

Previous reports had indicated that Kalinić would join Atlético on loan from the Serie A side, but Gianluca Di Marzio claimed Monday night that Atleti would sign the 30-year-old outright for a fee less than €15 million.

Earlier, Di Marzio said that the ex-Fiorentina and Dnipro marksman was Diego Simeone’s top choice from the outset. That mindset apparently did not change even after Kalinić was kicked off his country’s World Cup squad and barred from celebrating Croatia’s run to the final.

This move will also clear the way for Kévin Gameiro to become a Valencia player at last. Atlético waited to secure the Frenchman’s replacement (and a little more money from los Che) and will likely announce his departure at the same time as Kalinić’s arrival.

Kalinić will be the primary backup to Diego Costa and his signing will conclude Atlético’s busy summer, one which saw the club spend around €120 million to gear up for runs at LaLiga and the Champions League.