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Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insists that the La Liga champions are under no pressure to sell and will only accept offers that match the release clauses of their prise assets.
According to ESPN, Chelsea are on the verge of bringing Diego Costa and left-back Luis to Stamford Bridge, while Manchester United are keeping tabs on Koke, who is valued at £50 million by Atletico.
In light of Atletico’s financial troubles (they recently struck a deal with the Spanish government over their tax arrears), many expected the club to balance the books this summer by letting go of some valuable players.
However, Gil Marin maintains that Los Rojiblancos are financially stable and will fight to keep their title-winning outfit together.
Diego Costa, Koke and Luis has been indispensable members of the Atletico side. Costa has scored a stunning 27 goals in 35 La Liga games this season. While Koke has been something of a creative king, the 22-year-old has created 13 assists this season – with only Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria getting more (17).
Furthermore, although Luis may not be as glamours as the latter pair, the defender has won 55% of his duels and has won a staggering 107 tackles – more than any Premier League player.
“Fortunately this club does not need to sell any of its players. Those who do not want to continue with us we can only go along with their release clause in their contracts.
“We are not going to negotiate with other clubs about the departure of players we want to stay in our team. We do not want, nor do we need, to sell any player. Whoever wants to leave Atletico must do so against the wishes of Atletico.”
Questioned over the possibility of improved deals for the Atletico squad, Gil Marin intimated that they would address the situation.
“We understand the interest of clubs in our players, after the great season we have had,” Gil Marin said. “We also understand that these players want to improve [their contracts], and we are prepared to improve those conditions, within our own possibilities.”
