Atlético following Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi

Atlético Madrid are monitoring Monaco defender Axel Disasi, according to a report in Marca.

Marca also report that Atlético are not the only team interested in the ball-playing defender. Tottenham Hotspur are pondering a move for Disasi and have been following his development for the last two years. With chairman Daniel Levy finally ready to hand manager Antonio Conte a significant transfer budget, that could end Atlético’s interest before it really begins.

The 24-year-old centre-back has a contract with the Ligue 1 club until 2025 and is one of the team’s captains. He played 45 times for Monaco last season, notching three goals.

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The current situation at centre-back for Atlético involves three players: Stefan Savić, José Giménez and Felipe Monteiro. Mario Hermoso is also under contract, but he does not appear to be in Diego Simeone’s plans. He will likely leave this summer after falling down the pecking order.

Someone will have to be sold before anyone, including Disasi, arrives at the Metropolitano this summer. Atlético are holding several ongoing negotiations as Simeone looks to refresh his squad.

Carlos Soler remains heavily-linked and Nahuel Molina from Udinese is an option to reinforce the right flank. The latter’s price tag might be a stumbling block. The Serie A side reportedly want €30 million for the Argentine, and Atlético have balked at that figure.

Meanwhile, Thomas Lemar could leave the club to raise funds and a number of teams are interested in signing Yannick Carrasco. Another player whose future is in limbo is Ángel Correa.