Calling True or False on 5 Recent Atletico Madrid Transfer Rumours
Just one game now separates Atletico Madrid from the conclusion of the 2014-15 season, with Diego Simeone's side set to take on Granada at the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes this weekend.
It's an important final outing for Atleti, who can secure the last guaranteed berth in next season's Champions League, as they lead Valencia by three points in the race for third place.
But once the trip to Andalusia is complete, Atletico's focus will quickly shift to the transfer market, as Los Colchoneros look to build another team capable of challenging for silverware in both Spain and Europe.
Across the following slides, we break down five Atleti transfer rumours and give our verdict on each.
Rumour: Antoine Griezmann to Chelsea
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It took Antoine Griezmann quite some time to settle in at Atletico Madrid after his switch from Real Sociedad, but a blistering second half of the season appears to have attracted strong interest from rival clubs.
According to Tom Collomosse of the London Evening Standard, both Chelsea and Bayern Munich are interested in the Frenchman's services, but it's the London-based outfit that appears to be making the biggest strides.
Indeed, Chelsea are believed to be prepared to meet the forward's £43.5 million release clause, as they look to wrap up another high-profile deal in a swift manner—a feature of the club's business last summer.
But Atletico are looking to ward off the Blues' interest, with Dominic Fifield of the Guardian reporting that Atleti want to offer a new contract to Griezmann that would include a new buyout clause closer to £100 million.
Verdict: True
It might be painful for Atletico fans, but this ongoing transfer story appears ominous for the Spanish outfit.
One of the most striking aspects to Fifield's report is that renowned agent Jorge Mendes is acting as an adviser to Griezmann. Mendes represents Jose Mourinho and Diego Costa (among others), and has a long track record of overseeing the biggest deals in the game.
Additionally, it's no surprise that Mourinho continues to look at Atletico Madrid for transfer targets. Under Simeone, Atleti's players are hardworking, defensively disciplined and tactically excellent—the qualities one associates with Mourinho's teams.
Rumour: Erik Lamela to Arrive from Tottenham
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In the same report by Tom Collomosse in the London Evening Standard on Antoine Griezmann's possible departure, it is indicated that Tottenham's Erik Lamela is viewed as a potential replacement for the Frenchman.
Since moving to north London from Roma in 2013, the Argentinian has struggled in the Premier League and hasn't been able to justify the £30 million spent to take him to White Hart Lane—a figure that represents Spurs' record transfer fee.
But Collomosse's report states that Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has a longstanding interest in Lamela, having worked with him in the youth system at River Plate, after which he attempted to sign him at Catania when he was in charge of the Serie A outfit in 2011.
Verdict: False
Though it's understandable that there might be some interest in Lamela from Atletico (Simeone is the perfect manager to transform a misfiring talent), it's likely the Spanish side would be priced out of a deal for the Tottenham forward.
Indeed, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a notoriously tough negotiator, and though Lamela hasn't lived up to his billing, one can expect Levy to demand a big fee for his club's record signing.
And given that the forward would still represent something of a risk even if Simeone believes he can turn the 23-year-old's form around, it seems unlikely Atletico would take the expensive punt.
Rumour: Atletico Targeting Elche's Jonathas
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After losing Diego Costa to Chelsea last summer, Atletico Madrid are still looking for a like-for-like replacement for the Brazilian-born striker.
In 2014, the club signed Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann, a pair that has netted an impressive 45 goals for Atleti this season. But the presence of Mandzukic—a target-man style of striker who lacks speed—has forced Diego Simeone's team to alter their method somewhat, given that they lack the explosive, counter-attacking outlet once provided by Costa.
However, it now appears that Simeone and Atletico have identified the player who they believe can mimic the essence of Costa's game: Elche's Jonathas.
According to Marca, as relayed by Heath Chesters at Here Is The City (Chesters also works for the well-informed Inside Spanish Football), Simeone is a big admirer of Jonathas, who's scored 14 goals in an impressive personal campaign for struggling Elche in 2014-15.
Verdict: True
Big, strong, fast and powerful, Jonathas is exactly the type of forward who would thrive in Simeone's system. Expect Atleti to chase the Brazilian fiercely.
He might also come cheap, too.
On loan from Pescara, Elche possess a €1.7 million option to buy the striker, but look unable to do so amid significant financial troubles. That could see Jonathas return to Pescara, who Chesters indicates will accept offers at approximately €5 million.
Rumour: Filipe Luis to Return from Chelsea
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It's been a difficult season in 2014-15 for Filipe Luis, who joined Chelsea last summer after being one of Diego Simeone's most trusted players at Atletico Madrid.
Indeed, the left-back has struggled for playing time under Jose Mourinho, unable to displace Cesar Azpilicueta in the Blues' preferred lineup and making just nine Premier League starts.
According to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard, Atleti want to capitalise on the situation and have begun talks with Chelsea in an attempt to re-sign the Brazilian.
Verdict: True
The left-back position has been a problem area for Atletico Madrid all season, with Guilherme Siqueira struggling for form and Cristian Ansaldi battling injury for much of the campaign. As a result, Simeone has been forced to use right-back Jesus Gamez as makeshift cover on the left side of his defence.
Re-signing Luis would obviously address that issue.
Additionally, it appears that Chelsea are already searching for alternatives to replace the left-back, with Charlie Skillen of the Daily Mail reporting that the Blues are interested in West Ham's Aaron Cresswell—a promising full-back who would boost Chelsea's quota of homegrown players.
Rumour: Diego Godin to Chelsea
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Across the past two seasons, Diego Godin has entrenched himself among Europe's finest central defenders, standing at the core of Atletico Madrid's incredibly tight back four.
Dominant in the air, strong in one-on-one duels and a brilliant reader of the game, the Uruguayan is the complete package as an experienced centre-back.
Naturally, Atleti's rivals around Europe have taken notice, with Sky Sport's Fabrizio Romano reporting that Chelsea want to bring Godin to Stamford Bridge. (Koke, also mentioned in the Tweet below, has already ruled out any chance of a move.)
"Talks started btw Chelsea and Atlético Madrid: Mourinho wants Koke and Diego Godín too. Filipe Luis could return to Atleti #CFC (@DiMarzio)
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 7, 2015"
Verdict: False
While Chelsea's interest in Godin seems legitimate and understandable, one senses the Uruguayan would be reluctant to move to west London, given the already impressive centre-back pairing in use at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, John Terry and Gary Cahill have led the Premier League's tightest defence this season, helping Chelsea cruise to their first title since 2010.
As such, there's a distinct possibility that the pair's experience playing alongside each other could present an obstacle for Godin, who might prefer the guarantee of a starting position that would come with staying at Atletico Madrid.
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