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It has been difficult for Atletico Madrid in La Liga last season. The Rojiblancos struggled during the early parts of the season before rediscovering themselves post the restart. The absence of players like Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godin, etc left the club with a huge hole to fill. Despite the early hiccups, the Madrid side managed to secure third place in the Spanish league.
Like many other clubs, the coronavirus pandemic has made a big dent in Atletico Mardrid's finances. The financial implications are such that Diego Simone must sell some of his talents to raise funds for new signings.
With that in mind, here are five players Atletico Madrid should sell this summer.
Five Players Atletico Madrid should sell this summer
#1 Nikola Kalinic
If there is any player that is sure to leave Wanda Metropolitano this season, it is Nikola Kalinic. The Croatian striker arrived in Madrid from Fiorentina during the summer of 2018 after a decent scoring record in Serie A.
The transfer was in itself a risky one after Kalinic had failed miserably during a loan spell at Milan during the 2017/18 season.
The gamble backfired as the forward's woes continued in front of goal at Madrid. Kalinic scored a poor four goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for Atletico Madrid.
The 32-year-old moved to AS Roma on loan last season but failed yet again. The poor return at Rome saw the Giallorossi opting against the optional purchase option. Now back in Madrid, Kalinic is unlikely to break into the Atletico Madrid side despite a lack of goals in the team.
With just a year remaining in his contract, Diego Simeone should try to sell the Croatian and invest the money elsewhere.
#2 Vitolo
Vitolo joined the Rojiblancos in 2017 after a successful spell with Sevilla. The Spanish winger had been a key figure in helping the Andalusian side to three successive Europa League titles.
The winger arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano with high expectations. The Spaniard was to have been a natural fit for Diego Simeone's playing style but the transfer misfired.
Vitolo was never the same since moving out of Seville. The winger struggled under Simeone at Atletico Madrid. In three seasons, Vitolo returned a low seven goals and eight assists in 86 appearances.
With a contract till June 2022, Atletico will need to sell the unwanted winger to raise funds for the upcoming season.
Also Read: 5 players Inter Milan should look to sell this summer
#3 Santiago Arias
Santiago Arias was a hot prospect when he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2018. The Colombian arrived as a replacement for the aging Juanfran but the full-back never really adjusted to the change in his surroundings.
Arias was decent in his first season at Madrid but was a shadow of the player that played for PSV. The arrival of Kieran Trippier last season further pushed the Colombian down the pecking order.
The return to fitness of Sime Vrasaljko means a tougher route back into the starting lineup for Arias. With three more years left in his contract, Atletico Madrid can sell the player for a reasonable transfer fee.
#4 Thomas Lemar
Sky-high expectations, below-par performances - this has been Thomas Lemar's life in Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman joined Los Rojiblancos with high expectations in 2018 as the club's most expensive player. But the transfer never really lived up to the high price tag.
Lemar contributed just four goals and six assists in 72 appearances. Despite Simeone giving several chances to the versatile winger, the Frenchman never rediscovered his old form.
At 24, Lemar is still entering the peak years of his career. With close to three years remaining in his contract, the Frenchman could fetch the Rojiblancos a hefty transfer fee. Now, with Atletico Madrid looking to raise funds for the upcoming season, it would be wise for them to sell the underperforming Lemar.
#5 Diego Costa
Unlike all the other names in this list, Diego Costa has not been poor nor has he underperformed during his time in Madrid. The striker has just become too old to fulfill Simeone's requirements.
The Brazil-born Spanish international has, in fact, been one of the best players for Los Rojiblancos during the last decade. In two spells, the striker scored 81 goals in 209 appearances.
The second spell though has not been up to Costa's standards. Several injuries have restricted a consistent run in the first-team for the Spanish striker. Now almost 32, Costa is a player who should be replaced.
Also Read: What we can learn about Mikel Arteta after Arsenal's Community Shield triumph
