Nico Gonzalez reluctantly returns to Juventus but still wants Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Nico Gonzalez is back in Italy with Juventus, but as things stand, he would still prefer a permanent move to Atletico Madrid rather than spending the 2026-27 season in Serie A under Luciano Spalletti according to the latest reports.

Where Nico Gonzalez stands with Juventus and Atletico Madrid

Nico is under contract with Juventus until the summer of 2029, but he was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid in a deal that included a potential obligation to buy after just one season with the Bianconeri.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 04: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Nicolas Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In the end, the Argentine did not make the required number of appearances during his loan spell for his obligation to buy clause to be triggered. This means that he remains a Juventus player, even if there have been suggestions that a permanent transfer to Atleti could still be on the cards.

Nico enjoyed his time in the Spanish capital under Diego Simeone and is keen to return for 2026-27, but Atleti have made it clear that they are unwilling to pay €32m, the obligation to buy fee that was agreed last summer. Recent updates claim that Juve are holding out for a fee in the region of €28m.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 27: Nico Gonzalez of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 27, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As things stand, however, there has not been a breakthrough in talks between Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

This means that Nico Gonzalez has reluctantly returned to Turin, where he has been seen running out on the grass in the Old Lady training kit on Thursday.

According to reports from Calciomercato.com, the player’s stance has not changed and he is still reluctant to spend the 2026-27 season with Juventus, where he feels he is not truly wanted. His preference remains a return to Madrid with Atletico.

There have also been suggestions in August that Roma could be interested in a move for the Argentine this summer, but for now, the priority in the Giallorossi camp is getting to the bottom of a deal with Porto for Rodrigo Mora.