Sporting's Bruno Fernandes on Atlético's shopping list
According to O Jogo, the Portugal international, who is the highest scoring midfielder in Europe this season, is at the top of Diego Simeone's priorities.
Atlético Madrid are keeping a close eye on Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has become a priority target for Diego Simeone in his search for a goal-scoring midfielder.
The 24-year-old Portugal international has been in excellent form for his club this season, hitting 20 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions and providing 10 assists. Fernandes was a member of Portugal’s 2018 World Cup squad and has earned 11 caps for his country since making his debut in November 2017.
The versatile midfielder, who can play in several positions, moved to Sporting after a largely underwhelming spell at Sampdoria and has found his feet under Marcel Keizer at the José Alvalade, where he has only missed one game this season through suspension.
Martins impasse a stumbling block for Atlético
The main issue with Atlético’s pursuit of Fernandes lies in the institutional relations between the clubs after the contentious transfer of Gelson Martins to the Metropolitano. Martins joined Atlético as a free agent after rescinding his contract with Sporting, but the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement on compensation and the Portuguese club has lodged a suit in the sports arbitration courts after filing a complaint with FIFA over the player’s move. Martins has since joined Monaco on loan until the end of the season.
As well as Simeone’s side, Fernandes’ form has caught the eye of several clubs in the Premier League and Serie A.
