Forlan & Riquelme to Atletico?

According to a few news sources in the Spanish press, Atlético are close to signing Villarreal’s Diego Forlan and Juan Roman Riquelme. As of this moment, both players are in Venezuela with their respective nations playing in the Copa America, but still very much in contact with their agents in Spain.

Although Forlan has been quoted as saying that he does not consider himself a replacement for Atlético’s much-loved Torres, it seems clear that this recent news leads many to believe that the young striker is on his way out, with England as a likely destination (all arrows point to Liverpool at the moment).

Spanish Football & Sports breaks down the possible deal in detail:  30 million in total, 20 for Forlan and 10 for Riquelme. Villarreal are purportedly keen on Atlético including Colombian international Perea in the deal as well. 

It hurts to admit this, but I’m certain Fernando Torres, our star striker, the player who has represented this club since his emergence from the youth ranks, will be moving on to greener pastures this summer. This is the harsh reality of the transfer market and the frustration in supporting Atlético.

A few days ago, President Enrique Cerezo insisted that the club have received no official bids for the lad:

“Every player has a price and if they pay the transfer clause there is nothing we can do to stop Torres leaving. But at the moment what is certain is that there is nothing going on with Torres and any other club.”

Liar!

Slightly off-topic, but Atleti are apparently keen on having Liverpool include former player Luis Garcia in the deal. For his part, the 29 year old Anfield favorite has been quoted as saying:

“Liverpool are in my thoughts at the moment, but one day I would like to come back, and not to Barcelona, but to Atletico Madrid, who are always in my thoughts,” Garcia told Spanish television.”