Girona striker Artem Dovbek has agreed personal terms and been given the green light to join Atletico Madrid. Sources have told ยูฟ่าเบท Sport
. However, the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement over Dovbek’s move to the Metropolitano. Girona
want €40m in his release clause, while Atletico are hoping to convince them to lower. Their asking price in the hope of reaching an agreement in the coming days. The Ukraine
international was La Liga’s top scorer last season, scoring 24 goals. And the 27-year-old is looking for the next big step in his career after helping Girona secure Champions League qualification.
However, Chelsea’s asking price of €40m is set to complicate negotiations between the clubs. The west London club are willing to offload Gallagher but a potentially high fee has stifled interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the past.
Merino remains Simeone’s preferred choice, according to sources, as the Spain international would not require time to adapt to LaLiga as Gallagher would.
Atlético face competition for Merino, though, with Barcelona and Arsenal closely monitoring the player.
Negotiations will also be difficult given Merino’s €60m release clause with Real Sociedad.
Atlético, meanwhile, have yet to receive a formal offer for João Félix. The Portuguese winger spent last season on loan at Barcelona.
Sources have told ESPN that Dovbek’s eagerness to join the Rojiblancos played a key role in facilitating talks between the two clubs. Dovbek
will replace Alvaro Morata, who left for AC Milan earlier this week.