Atletico Madrid they have seen in defense again this season, and is back in the spotlight in the last few weeks after a number of bad results. The Rojiblancos have also conceded in 7 of their last 8 games.
Their plan is to recruit two central defenders before the summer, and begin the reformulation of their defense, one of which could be the ex-Valencia central defender Gabriel Paulista. The Brazilian performed well against Real Betis but is currently only contracted to the club until the end of the season. Atletico Sporting manager Andrea Berta also wants to sign another central midfielder in the summer.
One of the players they identified as a potential game changer in the back is however Robin Le Normand. The recently nationalized Spanish central defender has now been at the heart of the defense for several years in a Real Sociedade team that stands out as one of the best in Spain, as Los Rojiblancos know all too well.
A sticking point could be its price. Brand they say he is valued at 40 million euros by La Real, and with Atletico not looking to spend that much, they could look for ways to lower this price, one of which could include left-back Javi Galan in the agreement, which he did not do. settled in his first six months at Atletico, and is currently on loan at Donostia-San Sebastian.
Txuri-Urdin have always been open to making sales for the right price, but if the Premier League market takes hold, this could price Atletico out of a move for Le Normand. The 27-year-old has shown in recent years, and has now earned 8 caps for Spain, where he looks set to start for Luis de la Fuente. This season has arguably been weaker than his previous two campaigns.
