Atletico Madrid pushing to sign PSG star Marco Verratti; Liverpool show interest as well

The Italian midfielder could be set to leave the Ligue 1 champions this summer

Atletico Madrid have been busy in the ongoing transfer window. Their summer shopping list includes players who fill very specific gaps in their squad, gaps which may have exposed them last year.

So far, they have acquired players like Javi Galan, Calgar Soyuncu and Cesar Azpilicueta, all of them defenders. Now with the back half of the pitch looking solid, they hunt for a no.6, a central midfielder.

Marco Verratti appears to be a perfect candidate. In his years at PSG, he has shown solidity and creativity in the midfield. In his 11 seasons, he has dominated the Ligue 1 with the Parisians, along with winning other tittles across France. However, as PSG takes anew way forward under Luis Enrique, they have virtually put their whole squad up for sale. Making Marco Verratti free to join other clubs.

Marco Verratti is an experienced midfielder and looks to be a perfect signing for the Los Colchoneros. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is a huge admirer of the French midfielder. Reports are suggesting that he could be Atletico’s marquee signing this season.

However, PSG have put up a price tag of about close to €80 million on the Italian nation . However, it does not seem that Diego Simeone’s side will be able to go ahead with the current terms, and the price is expected to be negotiated down.

Liverpool also showing interest in Marco Verratti

Nevertheless, the price tag is not the only roadblock Atletico face in their pursuance of Verratti as Liverpool have reportedly shown interest in him.

Liverpool have been on a midfield rebuild spree with signing the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. It does not come as a surprise that the Reds would be interested in signing a midfielder the quality of Verratti. Liverpool’s below average season was mainly due to the fact of a thin midfield lacking solidity and creativity their midfield got even more gutted when Fabinho decided to leave. As a result, Manager Jurgen Klopp has emphasized bringing in quality midfield talent.

However, it is not known whether Liverpool will invest €80 million on a player turning 31 soon. On top of that Verratti has been slightly more prone to injury lately.

With all these factors in mind, it will be interesting to see where Verratti ends up next season.