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ATLÉTICO MADRID

Atleti look at Villarreal's Samu Castillejo to replace Carrasco

After Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitán left Madrid for China, Diego Simeone has just 17 outfield players. He sees Castillejo as a viable replacement.

Update:
El jugador del Villarreal, Samu Castillejo, durante un partido de Europa League.
Heino KalisReuters

Atlético Madrid have focused their recruitment gaze upon Villarreal winger Samu Castillejo. 

Carrasco and Gaitán leave Atleti light out wide

Los Rojiblancos have sold two wingers - Yannick Carrasco and Nico Gaitán - in February, leaving the wide areas as a priority for reinforcement in the summer. Castillejo is one of the players heavily mentioned in that conversation. 

The Málaga-born Villarreal man is flourishing this season, resulting in interest from various clubs in Spain. Napoli, of Serie A, are also keen on the 23-year-old. 

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Angel SanchezDIARIO AS

Castillejo has featured on Atlético's agenda for several years, yet his lack of physicality - an important attribute for a player in Diego Simeone's system - put the club off making a move. He now appears to have developed physically to a level that would make him suitable for the top level. 

Rodri joins Castillejo on Simeone's agenda

Castillejo - who has scored two goals and given seven assists in 27 matches this campaign - is under contract at Villarreal until 2020. He would command a fee of around €20 million.

He is not the only Villarreal player on Atleti's radar. Central midfielder Rodri - who emerged from Atlético's academy -  also features in the club's plans as a natural successor to Gabi.

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