Manchester City and Chelsea Set To Battle For Koke
In what has been a prosperous 3 years for Atletico Madrid, the Spanish side have picked up trophies such as the La Liga, Europa league, Copa Del Rey and even managed to get to the Champions League final last season.
One of the protagonists in this success story has been the youngster Koke, who was a major contributor to the fairy tale that has been Atletico Madrid in the past two seasons.
Success in this case has a major disadvantage, in that other clubs will probably begin to poach players that have contributed immensely to this success. With players like Courtois, Costa and Luis already gone, it seems like the Spanish side may have little chance of retaining its other grand jewels, of which Koke is the cream of the crop.
An academy product of the Madrid based club, Koke has risen through the ranks to the starting eleven with astonishing results. Although already dubbed the next Xavi, the Spaniard is more than just a deep lying playmaker capable of passing the ball. The youngster can also play in attacking midfield as well as on the left wing.
With the English Premiership moving towards a more skill based style of play, it hardly comes as a surprise that Giants of the English game, Chelsea and Manchester City have thrown their hats in the ring, signalling their intentions to acquire the Atletico Madrid man.
Manchester City currently have too much power in the likes of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho but little to no finesse, while Chelsea desperately need to bolster an already thin midfield, that in the future could virtually collapse with an injury to their talismanic Cesc Fabregas.
Koke has long since been linked with a move to the Premier League and the coming to light of the existence of a release clause to the tune of 48 million may make negotiations far more straight forward.
Atletico are facing testing financial times and the management of the heavily indebted club may be forced to raise funds by selling a big star during the upcoming transfer window, with Koke being their most valuable asset.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are long admirers of the 22 year old midfielder and the stage seems set for an epic transfer tussle. One thing is clear, wherever this talented youngster goes, he will shine like a million stars.
Notwithstanding, the two English giants had better not get too comfortable, as reports emanating from Spain suggest that Catalan side Barcelona, have also joined the race to acquire the Atletico Madrid star.
Although the Spanish side were reportedly keen on bringing the Spanish international to the Nou Camp, the opportunity to sign Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez could not be missed. However, with that transfer already wrapped up, the Luis Enrique coached side have set their eyes once more on Koke.
Barcelona’s attempt to Land the 22 year old in June was met by little encouragement from Atletico, and they promptly signed the player to a new deal that runs till 2019. One thing’s for sure, the highly rated youngster will not remain at Atletico beyond this summer.