Atletico Madrid Transfer News: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Wanted In January

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is keen on signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

Ibrahimovic is currently on the lookout for a new club, after he was released by Manchester United two weeks ago. The Swede has been heavily linked with a switch to the MLS, with LA Galaxy supposedly his next destination.

However, the Americans may just have to wait another season before they can see the striker move to their country, as Atletico Madrid have now shown interest in signing him, and he could yet be set for one last hurrah at the highest level of the game.

If he does decide to move to Spain, however, the 35-year-old will have to wait till the January transfer window comes around before a deal can be agreed, as Atletico are currently banned from signing any players until 2018, after haing breached FIFA’s regulations related to the signing of players below the age of 18.

Los Rojiblancos were all set to let go of Antoine Griezmann, who had been destined for Manchester United this summer, and had even agreed to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon, but the ban put an end to both moves, and Griezmann ended up signing a new contract.

Atletico have continued their work on signing players though, as they prepare to bring in reinforcements once the January window opens.

The Spanish giants were also set to sign Diego Costa – who was told he had no future at Chelsea in a text message by Antonio Conte – and Vitolo from Sevilla, but will now have to wait till next year to complete moves for the pair.

Ibrahimovic could be one of the first arrivals once the ban has been served, but Atletico will be taking a big risk if they are to sign him. The forward has been out of action since April, when he tore his ACL during United’s Europa League quarter-final victory over Anderlecht.

Despite his incredible return of 28 goals in 46 appearances for the Red Devils, they chose not to take up the option of extending his deal for another year, as they felt it would be too much of a burden on their finances to have a player who commands a massive salary, but will be absent for half the season with no guarantees that he will be as reliable when he does eventually return.

However, he has vowed to be back to full fitness by November, and is regularly keeping fans up to date on his recovery with posts on his social media platforms.

 

---

---