Atletico Madrid agree terms with midfielder ahead of summer transfer pursuit | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid Sporting Director Mateu Alemany continues to make progress towards their first signing of the summer in 2026. Los Colchoneros are set for a busy summer, and already have the exit of Antoine Griezmann confirmed, after it was announced that he would be joining Orlando City during the March international break.

Alemany is already working on several signings for the summer, with Kang-In Lee reportedly the preferred choice to replace Griezmann. In January, Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza were brought in to cover the absence of Conor Gallagher, but both are seen as developmental projects. Already he has a midfield signing in mind for the summer.

Atletico Madrid agree terms with Ederson dos Santos

That midfielder is Atalanta’s Ederson dos Santos. It has been said that Alemany is keen to wrap up a deal well in advance of the summer, so as to avoid getting into a bidding war with Premier League sides. In particular, Arsenal have been linked to him. RadioMarca are now reporting that the first stage has been completed by Alemany though, and Atletico have reached an agreement on personal terms with Ederson, and he has given the green light to a move.

Atletico-Atalanta deal still to come

The harder part might be the agreement with Atalanta. Last week Alemany was spotted in Italy with Atalanta President Antonio Percassi, reportedly to negotiate a deal for Ederson. Matteo Moretto assures this was the case, and explains that talks are ongoing. The fee could be between €35-40m for the Brazilian, who has just a year remaining on his contract.

Alemany has already confirmed an interest in Ederson, who would be a strong signal of intent from Atletico, and would strengthen the midfield department. It would likely see Johnny Cardoso and Ederson directly competing for a spot in the middle of the pitch, depth that Diego Simeone has not had there for some time.