Atletico Madrid hot after Arturo Vidal

Per a report by Sport1, La Liga’s Atletico Madrid are in pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal.

According to Sport1 information, Atletico Madrid has been keeping an eye on Vidal. The Europa League winner is looking for a new aggressive leader for his midfield due to the imminent departure of captain and director Gabi (34) for Qatar club Al-Sadd. Atletico coach Diego Simeone is a great admirer of the 31-year-old. Already in the summer of 2015, he had tried to lure him into the Spanish capital, but the defensive specialist finally decided to move to Munich.

The midfield in Munich is overly crowded and is likely the deepest of any team globally. This logjam is likely to be reduced over the next month as Vidal, Thiago Alcantara, and Sebastian Rudy have all been heavily discussed in transfer rumors. As the Sport1 report states, the addition of Leon Goretzka and the return of Renato Sanches only further complicates an already talent-laden area of the roster.

With new signing Leon Goretzka and returnee Renato Sanches, Vidal has two other competitors for a regular place under the new coach Niko Kovac. There are also Javi Martinez, Thiago, Sebastian Rudy and Corentin Tolisso.

If available, Vidal will have no shortage of suitors, including former boss Carlo Ancelotti and several Premier League clubs. The downside of Vidal reuniting with Don Carlo, however, is that Vidal is seeking to compete annually in the Champions League, which may not be a sure thing at Napoli as opposed to other potential destinations like Manchester United.

Italian and Spanish media recently brought the SSC Napoli with ex-Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti as a possible Vidal customer in the game. However, the right foot stressed several times, he would only switch to a club with which he can play annually for major titles such as the Champions League. Atletico would therefore be a good address. The “Rojiblancos” have been at the top of both national and international levels for years. In addition, Vidal’s style of play and mentality are in line with Simeone’s philosophy. That he also speaks perfect Spanish as Chilean, is another reason why the Argentinian would like to oblige him.

If Vidal does go to Atletico Madrid, we can only hope he chooses not to go “Full Griezmann” and make an overblown announcement detailing the experience like French star Antoine Griezmann did last month.

Regardless, this video shows that Vidal may be starting to feel like himself again, which should only fuel additional transfer news.

Vidal is a phenomenal player and would be a welcome addition to most any team. Vidal’s fiery demeanor and aggressive style are excellent attributes that would positively influence any roster. With so many names at play for a potential transfer, it is hard to ascertain exactly which Bayern midfielders are most likely to go.

Thiago has had a price tag affixed to him per some reports and Rudy is a player who could seemingly be a regular on 90% of the teams globally, yet found himself glued to the bench for long periods of last season in Munich. As Corentin Tolisso made enormous strides last season and Javi Martinez will also return, Bayern truly has a glut of talent in midfield. When adding the young phenom (Goretzka) and the player no one else wants (Sanches), it is hard to think that the team can enter 2018-2019 with all of them in tow.

Below, we’re looking for your predictions on who stays versus who goes from the Bayern midfield. You can also drop your thoughts in our comments section below.