Reports: Real Madrid target 'in talks' to join Atletico Madrid

What’s the story?

Real Madrid are on the hunt for a striker but it looks like they will not be able to sign a player who's been begging them to him for a long time. Other reports suggested that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was on Zidane's wish list for the January transfer window.

However, as per what Aubameyang said recently, he is in talks to join Atletico Madrid. The Dortmund striker wants to replace Antoine Griezmann at the Spanish club next summer.

In an exclusive interview with Ouest France, Aubameyang said: “The market is open, also for me. Real Madrid? That’s no longer my wish, I don’t think about it much anymore. Atleti? Everyone knows that they’re looking for players around the world. I think [Antoine] Griezmann could leave and a lot can happen. Anything can happen.”

In case you didn’t know…

Aubameyang's grandfather was a huge Real Madrid. It was his dream to see the striker play for the Blancos.

However, despite repeated "come and get me pleas" from the striker, Madrid did not make a move for him. Now when they are reportedly interested, he's set to join their local rivals instead.

The heart of the matter

Atletico Madrid had a deal to sign Alexandre Lacazette last summer to replace Griezmann, who was heading to Manchester United. However, when CAS upheld Atletico's transfer ban the moves did not take place.

With rumours of Griezmann agreeing a move to Barcelona next summer, Atletico have already decided to move in for potential replacements. Aubameyang is not happy at Dortmund and is looking to leave and the Spanish side are trying to take full advantage of it.

Apart from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, and even Everton have been linked with moves for Aubameyang.

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Author’s Take

No club has ever managed to replace striker the way Atletico Madrid do. They have always managed to find someone or the other to replace their striker and the saga is set to continue...