Atletico Madrid raise offer for top defensive target after Robin Le Normand signing

Atletico Madrid might not be having much success in their pursuit of a new number nine, but their defensive rebuild is going better, after they announced Robin Le Normand as their first signing of the summer on Friday night. Now they are looking to secure a second major addition at the back.

Their interest in Slovakia defender David Hancko became public before Euro 2024, and talks stalled in recent weeks over his price tag. Hancko has publicly hinted that he would be open to a move to Atletico, saying that ‘my agent knows what I want, it depends on the clubs.’ It had been published that they were turning their attentions elsewhere, but now it seems they have reconsidered on Hancko.

Thomas Lemar: “I missed being able to compete with Atlético. The truth is that it was all very hard, but thank God I had people who helped me a lot. It was difficult, but they helped me get through it well. Thanks to the club, the fans, Óscar Pitillas, Jesús, who helped me a… pic.twitter.com/mYJq83q4qX

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 27, 2024

Feyenoord have been looking for around €40m, while Atletico’s offer has been around €25m. Now though Diario AS say that Los Colchoneros have upped their offer to around €30m, albeit including variables. Diego Simeone is keen to bring in the left-sided defender to replace Mario Hermoso, who was out of contract this summer.

If Atletico can get Hancko over the line after securing Le Normand, it would be a major part of their transfer window successfully negotiated. Los Rojiblancos conceded 68 goals last year, their worst ever figure under Simeone, and it has been underlined as the key area for improvement next season.

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