Atletico Madrid determined to beat Barcelona to the capture of €40 million midfield enforcer

It seems like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could be set to go head-to-head in the summer transfer window for multiple signings.

Earlier today, it was reported that Los Rojiblancos had made enquiries for Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez, a target for the Catalan heavyweights since last year.

On the back of that, SPORT is now reporting that Atletico Madrid are determined to complete the signing of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat – another of Barcelona’s targets for the summer.

The La Liga leaders made a late run to sign the Moroccan midfield enforcer in the January transfer window. The player himself was intent on joining Barcelona, so much so that he was even ready to snub clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United and play for free at Camp Nou.

Barça, having missed out on his capture last month, have made him one of their three priority targets for the summer, along with Athletico Paranaense sensation Vitor Roque and Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco.

Amrabat could possibly seen as a replacement for Sergio Busquets, whose contract expires in the summer and no progress has been made over a renewal as of yet.

But, the Blaugrana must now stave off interest from Atletico Madrid, who are ready to do everything possible to sign the World Cup semi-finalist.

The Rojiblancos are keen on reinforcing their midfield for next season and see Amrabat as the ideal candidate. To accommodate his signing, Diego Simeone’s side are understood to be willing to part ways with Rodrigo De Paul in the summer as well.

Fiorentina will seek an initial fee of around €40 million for their prized asset. Given the player’s desire to join Barcelona last month, it could be difficult for Atletico Madrid to change his mind in the summer.