Calling True or False on 5 Recent Atletico Madrid Transfer Rumours

After cruising past Elche 3-0 on Saturday and now no longer participating in the Champions League, Atletico Madrid have just five games remaining on their schedule this season. 

And with the Liga title out of reach, Atleti's only objective for the remainder of the campaign is to secure third position in the Primera Division. 

As such, the club will now begin to cast an eye toward next season, with the coming summer transfer window representing an important period in the club's upward cycle. 

Across the following slides, we examine a selection of the reports and rumours that surround Atletico and give our verdict on each. 

Rumour: Koke to Chelsea

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

After successfully raiding Atletico Madrid last summer, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho are reportedly interested in doing so again, keen to bring Koke to Stamford Bridge in time for the 2015-16 season. 

According to AS, Chelsea's sporting director Michael Emenalo travelled to Malaga to watch the midfield star in Atleti's clash with Los Boquerones at La Rosaleda earlier this month. 

AS indicate that Koke's release clause is approximately €60 million—a hefty sum but one Chelsea might be willing to pay for a midfielder who looks set to spend the next decade at the pinnacle of European football. 

Verdict: False, deal unlikely to happen

Though Chelsea might like their chances of landing a player who's very much in the Mourinho mould, the fact that the Atleti star turned down Barcelona last summer is indicative of his commitment to Atletico Madrid. 

"The truth is that part of me said it was difficult to say no to Barca but I wanted to continue at home for many years at Atletico," he told AS last August (h/t Goal). "It wasn't time to leave. This is my home, where I feel wanted and the club didn't need to sell. How was I going to leave at the best time for Atletico?"

If Barcelona can't lure him away from the Vicente Calderon, Chelsea's hopes look slim. 

Rumour: Filipe Luis to Return from Chelsea

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

One of three Atletico Madrid players to move to west London last summer, Filipe Luis has endured a difficult season at Stamford Bridge.

Indeed, despite an excellent 2013-14 campaign with the Spanish champions, the Brazilian hasn't been able to displace Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back in Jose Mourinho's team and has made just seven Premier League starts.

Not unexpectedly, Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard has reported that Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Chelsea over re-signing Luis. 

According to Johnson's report, "Atletico believe they have a chance of buying the 29-year-old, whose deal runs out in 2017, and are looking to get him back for less than the £16m Chelsea paid."

Verdict: True, deal likely to happen

Since Mourinho's return to Chelsea, the west Londoners have conducted their transfer business excellently and we can expect the club to negotiate fiercely over Luis. 

Chelsea may also try to put Luis in some sort of package to help land Koke from Atletico—a possibility reported by Metro. 

As mentioned on the previous slide, that's unlikely. But given that the left-back position has been a problem area all season for Atleti (Jesus Gamez is now playing there out of position regularly), one feels Diego Simeone will pay what's necessary to address one of the obvious weaknesses in his squad. 

Rumour: Santi Cazorla to Arrive from Arsenal

Tim Ireland/Associated Press

Atletico Madrid would greatly benefit from the arrival of a player like Arsenal's Santi Cazorla.

A gifted technician capable of playing in both central and attacking midfield positions, the Spaniard would add much-needed creativity to Diego Simeone's squad and would provide support to Arda Turan.

And according to Guillem Balague at Sky Sports, Atletico have enquired about the midfielder's availability as the club looks to bolster its attacking options for the 2015-16 season. 

Verdict: False, deal unlikely to happen

In previous years, this deal might have felt very close to a guarantee. Year after year, Arsenal waved goodbye to some of their most influential players, seemingly hamstrung by their own lack of success and frugal ways. 

But circumstances appear to be changing in north London. High-profile stars like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have arrived, the club's trophy drought was broken with the capture of last season's FA Cup and the Gunners are on course for their highest Premier League finish in a decade. 

As such, it feels as though Arsenal are in a much stronger position to retain stars like Cazorla, who has expressed his desire to stay at the Emirates Stadium after signing a new contract last season. 

Rumour: Mario Mandzukic to Liverpool

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

For the most part, Mario Mandzukic has enjoyed an excellent debut season in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.

With 20 goals in all competitions for Atleti, the Croatian has formed a highly effective strike partnership with Antoine Griezmann, helping Diego Simeone's men maintain their position among Spain's elite despite the departure of the hugely influential Diego Costa.

But Mandzukic's future has been in question ever since a rift reportedly emerged between he and Simeone after he was benched for the visit to Sevilla.

Though perhaps overblown, the news has fuelled reports that the striker could depart the Vicente Calderon, with both the Express and Metro indicating that Liverpool are interested in bringing the former Bayern Munich star to Anfield.

Verdict: 50/50, deal hanging on other moves

This deal, it seems, is highly dependent on whether or not Atletico Madrid can land another high-calibre striker.

According to French newspaper L'Equipe, via Ian Holyman of ESPN FC, Simeone wants Edinson Cavani to lead his attack, with L'Equipe even suggesting the Atleti manager sought guarantees that the club would sign Cavani before signing his new, five-year deal at the Vicente Calderon. 

Additionally, Atletico Madrid coach Oscar Ortega has admitted the club have an interest in the Uruguayan, while Diego Forlan believes the Paris Saint-Germain striker would be a perfect fit for Simeone's Atleti. 

The problem? The price. 

According to The Telegraph, PSG value the striker at a massive £60 million—a figure that Atleti would struggle to pay. 

And if Atletico can't land Cavani, one feels that Mandzukic would still represent the club's best option alongside Griezmann in attack. 

Rumour: Miranda to Manchester United or Manchester City

Daniel Ochoa de Olza/Associated Press

Across the last two seasons, Miranda has helped to form one of the finest centre-back pairings in Europe alongside Diego Godin.

Strong in the air, powerful in one-on-one duels and vastly experienced, the Brazilian has been one of Diego Simeone's most trusted players, with the Argentinian building his XI around his reliable defenders.

Naturally, Miranda has developed admirers, with Premier League giants Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly interested in signing the 30-year-old.

Verdict: True, deal could very well happen

Though Miranda has been outstanding for Atletico, there are signs the club is looking to pin its future to a number of younger defenders.

This season, Jose Gimenez has featured regularly for Atleti and has proven himself to be one of the brightest defensive talents anywhere in Europe. Atletico have also expressed their intention to recall Toby Alderweireld after the completion of his loan spell at Southampton, while Emiliano Velazquez could also return from his loan stint at Getafe. 

Given that Atleti are still in a financial position where selling players is necessary, it's easy to envisage the club accepting an offer from one of the Manchester outfits this summer.