Atletico Madrid make move to sign €12m defender from La Liga rivals

Atletico Madrid have been very busy in latest weeks – and within the final 24 hours alone, they’ve confirmed two new signings. However they don’t seem to be executed but, and one other addition might quickly be made to Diego Simeone’s squad.

Having already signed Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri, Atleti finalised a deal for Thiago Almada on Tuesday. And earlier on Wednesday, they confirmed the arrival of Johnny Cardoso from Actual Betis, and they’re now shifting shortly to safe signing quantity 5 of the 2025 summer time switch window.

As reported by Diario AS, Atleti have made a transfer to signal right-back Jesus Areso from Osasuna. The 26-year-old had appeared destined to signal for Athletic Membership in a deal value €10m, however Los Colchoneros at the moment are ready to hijack the efforts of these in Bilbao.

Areso, who has a €12m launch clause, is open to becoming a member of Atleti, and he intends to listen to them out earlier than giving the inexperienced mild to Athletic. As such, there’s a probability that he strikes to the RiyadhAir Metropolitano as an alternative, the place he would compete for a beginning spot with Marcos Llorente.

Atleti are getting ready for Areso’s arrival

At present, Simeone has Llorente and Nahuel Molina as right-back choices, however within the occasion of Areso’s arrival, the latter will depart. Atleti are already trying into loaning him out, and El Desmarque have reported that Villarreal have been provided the prospect to take him for the 2025-26 season.

🚨🇦🇷 JUST IN – Pending Affirmation: Nahuel Molina has been provided to Villarreal, and the membership is contemplating his signing.

[@eldesmarque via @Objetivoatleti] pic.twitter.com/iVjdRSGTDb

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 16, 2025

Areso can be one other wonderful addition for Atleti, who’re constructing a really full squad for the 2025-26 season. He’ll nearly actually go away Osasuna this summer time, and whereas Athletic are urgent to shut his arrival, he might now determine to hitch Simeone’s squad.

The subsequent few hours might be essential on this operation. Quickly, it is going to be identified whether or not Areso might be signing for Athletic or Atleti.