As learned by Goal.com, Atletico Madrid has made an aggressive push for Udinese man Rodrigo de Paul. De Paul had a great campaign at Udinese last season, and is expected to be on the move to a bigger and more competitive club. Udinese anticipates the player's departure, and is requesting no less than 40 million euros for the Argentine midfielder.
Atletico have made the most serious contacts, and have been in communication with the player and Italian club for a few weeks now. The club has offered two separate offers as of now, with a sum of cash and players as collateral, but Atletico has declined both offers as they were not near the 40 million figure. Notorious agent Mino Raiola has been called in to help mediate the negotiations between the player's entourage and Atletico. Despite the disagreement in price as of now, the Spanish club will continue with negotiations as they are keen to adding the de Paul for next season.
It is reported that the player is interested in playing in Madrid next season. He has had discussions over the phone with Diego Simeone, and has been informed of the club's plans and how he will fit in to the squad. Atletico reportedly would be willing to offer de Paul a contract for 5 seasons, with an annual salary of 3.5 million- a hefty increase from his 1.5 million a year at Udinese.
The Italian club is keen on collecting the 40 million as they will owe 20% of the sale to clubs in Spain. When Udinese acquired de Paul from Valencia, they inserted a clause that would grant them 15% of a future sale. Another 5% of the sale will go to Racing de Avellaneda, the player's club before Valencia. Udinese is holding a firm price point as they recognize they will not be seeing all of the money brought in by the sale.
40 million for the signing could be a tough feat for Maldini and Massara this summer, as there are other areas in the squad to reinforce. Milan have followed de Paul with interest for some time now. With the rumored departure of Hakan Calhanoglu, the Rossoneri would be in need of a new trequartista, and the Argentine would fit the role seamlessly. Milan may be losing the race now, however, as Atletico seem to be in a prime position to sign the player once a price point is agreed upon.
