Atletico Madrid in concrete talks to sign Goretzka in January, Igor Jesus and Lookman also on the radar | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid are in concrete talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka before the deadline day of the January transfer window (h/t Marca).

After pulling the plug on the deals for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes and Atalanta’s Ederson due to their hefty price tags, Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany has identified Goretzka as a low-cost midfield reinforcement.

The 30-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Bayern have no plans to renew it.

The Bavarians could also be open to parting ways with the German international due to his limited role this season.

Despite being a regular in the Bundesliga, Goretzka has only clocked up 60 minutes of game time in the Champions League, failing to start a single game.

Due to Joshua Kimmich’s solid presence and the emergence of young midfielders Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof, Goretzka is considered surplus to requirements. Bayern can get his hefty salary off their books with his sale.

Alemany has accelerated contacts with the German star’s entourage to secure a transfer as early as January rather than signing him as a free agent in the summer.

Los Rojiblancos are planning to offset his high wages by offering him a contract until 2028.

Following Connor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico are looking to bring in a high-quality midfielder.

The Spanish giants are also working on attacking reinforcements, lining up Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus as potential targets.

Diego Simeone’s side tried to sign Lookman last summer, but the Serie A giants blocked his departure after being steadfast on their valuation.

The Nigerian still wants to seek an exit from the Gewiss Stadium, even after the failed move to Inter Milan in the summer of 2025.

Signing Jesus from Forest will not be easy either, but the Brazilian striker’s desire to play for Atletico could give the La Liga giants an edge.

The 24-year-old has bagged nine goals and an assist in all competitions this season.