Reports indicate that Atletico Madrid is making the acquisition of a new left-back a key priority for the upcoming 2025/26 La Liga season in the Spanish capital.
Manager Diego Simeone is seeking an experienced player to strengthen his defense, and Liverpool`s Andy Robertson is said to be his primary target.
Speculation regarding a potential transfer for the Scotland international has quickly gained traction.
Following Atletico Madrid`s significant 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup opener, Simeone openly expressed his desire for a new player in the left-back or left-wing position.
The struggles of Javi Galan and Samuel Lino against the UEFA Champions League-winning side led by Luis Enrique might have solidified Simeone`s decision to seek reinforcements.
Persuading the experienced 31-year-old Robertson to leave Anfield will likely be challenging, as Liverpool`s new manager Arne Slot reportedly intends to keep him.
Potential Transfer Fee for Andy Robertson
Early rumours from Madrid claimed Simeone was hoping for a free transfer.
Robertson is reportedly open to the move, particularly as Slot is said to be evaluating other options for the long-term left-back position at Liverpool.
While the former Hull City defender remains very popular among Liverpool fans, reports suggest Milos Kerkez is nearing a transfer to Merseyside, which could potentially affect Robertson`s role.
Notably, Liverpool recently sold Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for £10m, accelerating his departure.
Like Real Madrid, Atletico is also seeking a cost-effective deal, but Robertson`s contract at Liverpool still has a year remaining, suggesting a fee would be required.
However, Liverpool is reportedly seeking at least £5m to sanction Robertson`s departure this summer. Furthermore, former Barcelona defender Lucas Digne is also being considered as an alternative target for Atletico.
Digne, also 31, will be out of contract at Aston Villa next summer. He might be interested in a return to Spain for a UEFA Champions League opportunity, especially after Unai Emery`s Aston Villa side failed to qualify for the competition.
