AC Milan Reportedly Want to Sign Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin on Free Transfer

Christopher Simpson @@CJSimpsonBRFeatured ColumnistNovember 22, 2018

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 10: Diego Godin of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Athletic de Bilbao at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on November 10, 2018 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S Bustamante/Soccrates /Getty Images)

Soccrates Images/Getty Images

AC Milan are reportedly working to secure Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin on a free transfer.

According to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia), Milan's technical director, Leonardo, is focusing on the Uruguay international's capture ahead of next summer.

Godin is in the final year of his contract and will be available for free at the end of the season, but the Rossoneri can negotiate a deal with him from January.

The centre-back will be 33 in February, and a switch to Serie A could prolong his career at the top level.

Juventus duo Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are still going strong at 34 and 37, respectively, so Godin might similarly be able to thrive in Italy.

The Rossoneri could use a strong, experienced defender too. Milan have shipped 16 goals in 12 league matches this season, and they haven't conceded less than a goal per game on average over the course of a Serie A campaign since 2011-12.

By contrast, Godin has helped Atleti become one of the most defensively robust teams in Europe since he joined them in 2010.

He's a leader and a warrior at the back for Los Rojiblancos, and he plays a similar role for Uruguay.

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Squawka's Muhammad Butt and ESPN's David Cartlidge hailed Godin's performance in La Celeste's 1-0 win over Egypt at the FIFA World Cup in June:

Muhammad Butt @muhammadbutt
Godín head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch.

David Cartlidge @davidjaca
When his shapeless, dull midfield couldn’t get into the game, it was Godín that took it upon himself to show positivity and bring ball out from the back - not one of his best assets by any means - but still attempted to influence. Leader. #URU

Squawka shared his impressive numbers from the victory:

Squawka Football @Squawka
@sportingindex @muhammadbutt A throwback to one of the best defensive displays at the 2018 World Cup. Godín had to get in. https://t.co/PHYGedZbIQ

While Jose Gimenez scored the late winner to sink the Pharaohs in that match, Godin is also a potent threat from corners.

Godin has netted twice already this season, and once scored eight goals for Atletico in a single campaign, which included the opener in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.

Despite his age, he would be a superb capture for Milan on a free transfer.