Atletico Madrid now plot double Man Utd swoop as Red Devils eye huge transfer windfall

Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid are reported to be considering a raid of Manchester United in the summer as they look to freshen up their attacking options.

Atletico Madrid are third in La Liga, seven points behind league leaders Barcelona and are not expected to win silverware this season after falling short in both the Champions League round-of-16 in controversial circumstances to Real Madrid and more recently losing out in the Copa del Rey semi-final to Barcelona.

They remain on course to dine at Europe’s elite table next term, however, and are hoping to build a team that can reclaim the Spanish title for the first time since 2021 while also progressing deeper in Europe.

Meanwhile, United are in transition once again under Ruben Amorim and are preparing for a busy summer of signings which will likely be facilitated by several high-profile departures as the Portuguese looks to find the right pieces to his preferred 3421 formation.

Atletico Madrid target Alejandro Garnacho

Argentine prospect Alejandro Garnacho was one of the few Red Devils players to walk off the pitch with pride at the end of a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United. The young winger found the net with a clinical finish from inside the box after dashing into space with a pacey run on the counter attack.

It marked the winger’s 10th goal in 49 matches across all competitions and makes him the team’s third top scorer in the league with five behind Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes.

Garnacho has not lived up to the expectations he had at the start of the season after helping the team to FA Cup glory last year but he’s regarded as one of the few bright sparks in a team which has largely been devoid of creativity. The Argentine was heavily linked with Napoli, Chelsea and Atletico in January and is believed to be valued at around £60m.

Give Me Sport explains that the winger sees Atletico as his ideal destination after living in Madrid and spending five years in the club’s academy between 2015 and 2020. United, however, are keen to profit as much as possible and are reportedly now seeking a figure of £86m.

Antony makes lasting impression on Diego Simeone

The new interest in Garnacho comes with Atletico already eyeing a move for Antony, with the Spanish club now plotting a double swoop for United players this summer. Brazil international Antony is looking like a man reborn at Real Betis since joining the Spanish side on loan. He’s registered four goals and four assists in all competitions during 15 games with the Los Mejores and looks to be increasingly important player in Manuel Pellegrini’s Europa League-chasing team.

According to a report from TBR Football, Atletico Madrid have been keeping tabs on the winger throughout his time in Spain and are in a better place financially to facilitate a deal to sign Antony than Betis. Earlier reports in Spain via Fichajes have also firmed up Atletico’s reported interested in the player.

Antony arrived at United for £85m but is likely to be sold for a significantly cheaper fee to help facilitate Ruben Amorim’s summer rebuild at Old Trafford.

Read More: Man Utd 'willing' to pay blockbuster £52m for gem Ruben Amorim admires & who Jose Mourinho called 'exceptional