Atlético hoping to conclude €15 million deal for Carlos Soler before June 30

Atlético Madrid have advanced in talks over the signing of Valencia midfielder Carlos Soler, according to multiple reports in Spain.

Rubén Uría of Goal reports that a deal in the region of €15 million plus add-ons is possible, with Valencia keen to sell this summer and Atlético aware that if they bide their time, they can talk Los Ché down from their initial asking price of €30 million.

Gennaro Gattuso, Los Che’s new manager, has given the green light to sell the Spain international Soler. The 25-year-old has a contract until 2023, and Valencia do not want to lose their homegrown player for nothing next summer.

Atlético still have to resolve the future for both Saúl Ñíguez and Álvaro Morata, moves that would free up the necessary funds to sign Soler. The player’s preference is to stay in Spain and Atlético can offer him the chance to play in the Champions League.

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Sporting director Andrea Berta has long been a fan of Soler, according to Marca, and the Madrid daily also reports that Atlético are stepping up their pursuit while stressing it’s not an easy transfer for the Rojiblancos to complete.

Barcelona were originally offered Soler by Anil Murthy, the club’s since-sacked former president. The Catalan club are currently mired in what has become an annual battle to reduce their wage bill. Because of this, Goal and other media outlets report that Soler to Barcelona has basically no chance of happening.

Juventus are also interested in signing Soler but don’t want to get involved in an auction for a player with just one year remaining on his contract.

The relationship between Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil, super agent Jorge Mendes, and Valencia owner Peter Lim is excellent, as Uria says. That is evidenced by the recent flow of players from Valencia to Atlético, including Geoffrey Kondogbia and Daniel Wass. Atlético also sold Kévin Gameiro to Valencia back in 2018.