Alessio Cerci to Atletico Madrid: Latest Transfer Details, Analysis and Reaction

Alessio Cerci has completed a move to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.

The club confirmed the news via Twitter on Sunday:

On Monday, Atletico Madrid confirmed that Cerci had passed his medical with the Spanish club:

The Italian midfielder has been tipped to make a move from the Stadio Olimpico on several occasions and had made no secret of his ambition to play in the Champions League, as La Stampa reported, via Football Italia.

"In Turin there is an environment that has given me a lot," said Cerci. "But my ultimate ambition is to play in the Champions League. Right now we are seventh, but the goal at the end of the season is to avoid relegation."

It will be in the Spanish capital that he fulfills that ambition. David Jaca confirmed the structure of the deal, which is reported to be in the region of €16 million. 

Atletico have been keen to spend some of the money brought in by the sale of Diego Costa to Chelsea for £32 million. Los Colchoneros have been active in the transfer market, the most notable part of their business being the purchase of French international Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad.

But bringing in Cerci is a statement of intent from the Spanish champions. The Italian bagged 13 goals and 10 assists last term, per WhoScored.com, which culminated in his call-up to the Azzurri's World Cup squad.

Cerci enjoyed a purple patch under Giampiero Ventura at Torino, who was also his manager during his time at Pisa in Serie B.

He struggled to realise his potential at Roma and Fiorentina, but after being utilised as both a second striker and a right winger in Turin by Ventura, Cerci's form started to attract the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. 

The 27-year-old will certainly be missed in Turin, as Associated Press journalist Daniella Matar tweeted:

The all-round attacking capabilities of Cerci are likely to be welcomed in the Spanish capital, where their prize asset Costa and his goals will be missed.

However, the purchases of Griezmann and Cerci are likely to bring renewed creativity and goal-scoring threat to Diego Simeone's men as they attempt to defend their La Liga crown.