Simeone wants a new striker and he comes from Paris

Atletico Madrid are focused on the final stretch of the January transfer window and the signing of midfielder Joao Gomes, who would replace Conor Gallagher, but the sporting department led by Mateu Alemany is already actively planning a complete overhaul of the squad for next season, Marca reports. Alongside attempts to sign Lee Kang-in from PSG — a personal wish of Alemany dating back to their time together at Valencia — Los Colchoneros have also set their sights on a new focal point at the very tip of the attack.

Although bringing in Kang-in is complicated, as the Parisians are planning to offer him a new contract, Atletico are not giving up and are making plans not only for the end of January but also for June. However, the Madrid club’s sporting director is looking one step further — toward Goncalo Ramos. Marca writes that the Portuguese forward from Paris Saint-Germain is a player profile that greatly appeals to Atletico’s coaching staff, and Alemany is aware that transfers of this magnitude must be prepared months in advance, with a great deal of patience.

Sir Alex Ferguson of the new era

The reason for such early planning lies in the fact that major changes are expected in the attacking line at the Metropolitano this June. The future of club legend Antoine Griezmann, as well as the statuses of Alexander Sorloth and even Julian Alvarez, are currently in question. Due to the uncertainty surrounding their stays, the Portuguese striker has been identified as the ideal “number nine” around whom Diego Simeone’s new attacking system could be built.

PSG's next project - Enzo Fernandez

Ramos has had an inconsistent season, is not a regular starter, but despite that he has managed to score 10 goals for Paris Saint-Germain across all competitions. Luis Enrique uses so-called false nines, and the former Benfica striker does not fit that profile. It seems that the time may be right for Ramos to leave Paris after three years. He will turn 25 in June, which would be the ideal moment to seize the opportunity now opening up for him in Madrid.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 7

Tuesday

18.30: (6.75) Kairat Almaty (4.40) Club Brugge (1.53)

20.45: (6.50) Bodo (5.60) Man.City (1.40)

23.00: (4.00) Copenhagen (3.65) Napoli (1.95)

23.00: (2.70) Inter (3.25) Arsenal (2.90)

23.00: (1.32) Real Madrid (6.25) Monaco (9.00)

23.00: (4.30) Sporting (4.10) PSG (1.80)

23.00: (2.95) Tottenham (3.50) Dortmund (2.50)

23.00: (1.40) Villareal (5.40) Ajax (7.50)

Wednesday

20.45: (3.50) Galatasaray (3.50) Atl.Madrid (2.05)

20.45: (3.15) Qarabag (3.50) Eintr.Frankfurt (2.20)

23.00: (1.90) Atalanta (3.50) Ath.Bilbao (4.20)

23.00: (1.12) Bayern (12.0) St.Gilloise (19.0)

23.00: (1.15) Chelsea (9.50) Paphos (19.0)

23.00: (1.82) Juventus (3.50) Benfica (4.50)

23.00: (1.48) Newcastle (4.40) PSV (6.75)

23.00: (3.90) Olympique Marseille (3.50) Liverpool (1.95)

23.00: (8.00) Slavia Praha (5.75) Barcelona (1.33)

***odds are subject to change***