Chelsea defender Renato Veiga on Atletico Madrid’s shortlist | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid have identified Chelsea defender Renato Veiga as a potential transfer target, according to Sky Germany.

Following the departures of Reinildo Mandava, Cesar Azpilicueta and Axel Witsel, Los Colchoneros are looking to sign a new centre-back.

Although Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero is their ideal target, a move for him is currently unlikely, and Atletico are now considering Veiga as an alternative.

Veiga joined Chelsea from Swiss giants FC Basel in a €14 million deal in 2024. Despite making 18 appearances in the first half of the season, he grew frustrated playing out of position.

He was mainly used at left-back and in midfield, when his ambition has always been to establish himself as a central defender.

He went on loan to Juventus and helped they secure a top-four finish in Serie A. They opted against a permanent move.

Veiga has since returned to Chelsea but is expected to be on the move this summer as his path to the first team remains blocked. Levi Colwill is still the first-choice in Veiga’s favoured role.

Chelsea’s interest in Ajax’s Jorrel Hato also suggests they are planning for life without Veiga next season, and multiple European clubs are monitoring the situation.

The Blues are reportedly demanding €30–35m with six years remaining on his current contract.

Atletico will have to fend off competition from Bayern Munich to land Veiga. They hold an interest and could pursue a move if Kim Min-jae leaves the club.