Atletico begin the search for a right-back to replace Trippier

Atlético Madrid's Director of Sport Andrea Berta has the task of scouring the market for a right-back. Kieran Trippier's departure means the club needs to act fast to replace the English defender - a key component of Simeone's back four. Part of the problem for Berta is that Atlético don't have the economic power to sign whoever they want. At the moment, there are half a dozen names on Atlético's list of candidates.

One player who has impressed Atleti's backroom staff is Leipzig's Nordi Mukiele. He's 24 and will be out of contract in 2023. His market value is around 25 million euros. He is highly-rated both at his club and in the Bundesliga. Atlético will receive a much lower figure - under 15 million for Trippier's switch to Newcastle.

Atlético are also looking at who is availiable in Serie A.  One option is Napoli full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo. He is 28 years old, an international with Italy who impressed during Euro 2020 and Andrea Berta knows him well. Last summer, the player's agent let it be known that the capital club were ineterested in him - “Atlético Madrid have always liked him, I have spoke to Berta about him,  but for the moment, there is nothing concrete with the club..." So far this season, Di Lorenzo has scored one goal and has three assists with Spalletti's team.

Meanwhile, the possibility that César Azpilicueta could sign for Atlético is starting to wane. Simeone was keen on Nélson Semedo, but he is already settled at Wolves who paid 40 million euros for him 18 months ago. Atlético need to bring in a right-back. They have Vrsaljko and Marcos Llorente can also drop back into the position. He has played a lot of games there but it's not his natural position and Simeone knows that by fielding Llorente there, he will lose an option in attack. The only solution is to reinforce the right-back slot during the current transfer window.