Atletico Madrid approach for AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer explained | OneFootball

On Tuesday, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone declared that he was hoping to get one more new signing through the door, with many expecting it to be a central midfielder. Yet on transfer deadline day, just hours before the close of the market, Simeone said that was no longer the case, ‘save for a surprise’.

It looks as if Thomas Lemar and Javi Galan are set to remain at the club, and their wages likely make a difference. One of their options that emerged on the morning of transfer deadline day was Algeria and AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer. Matteo Moretto has told Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing that both Atletico and Olymique Marseille both called about Bennacer, but were only interested in a loan move. The Rossoneri however, are only considering offers involving a permanent exit, which Los Colchoneros were not willing to agree to.

It looks as if Simeone will have to go without another midfielder as things stand, although they have brought in Conor Gallagher and let go of Arthur Vermeeren. Los Rojiblancos have already made this their second-biggest spend ever this transfer window, and at this point, any more additions are likely to be depth rather than a starting option.