It has been over 10 weeks since Atlético first began working under the command of Gregorio Manzano, and on Thursday night against Celtic, we may have finally seen a true glimpse of our team for this season. Most will agree that we are better equipped than last year, but as we know only too well, nothing can be taken for granted with this club.
Álvaro Domínguez was one of the three big surprises in Vicente del Bosque’s selection for Spain’s upcoming games against Chile and Liechenstein. Many of Atlético’s other players were called up by their respective national teams for the next round of international matches.
Former Galatasaray captain Arda Turan was presented at the Vicente Calderón Tuesday afternoon by his new club Atlético. “I am very happy and thankful for being here,” he said. “I want to thank each and every Atletico employee for their treatment of me, from my team-mates to the very last worker at the club’s facilities. They have received me very affectionately, with a hug and a smile and that’s what I needed.”
Atlético’s official site confirms Turan has been signed. Atleti will reportedly pay Galatasaray €12 million for the 24-year-old. The player, who will join Atleti on a four-year deal, will travel to Spain on Thursday and undergo a medical on Friday. His formal presentation is scheduled for Tuesday the 16th.
Atlético directors Enrique Cerezo and Miguel Ángel Gil Marín found themselves very busy in Turkey on Friday, as they looked to take care of a number of business transactions in Istanbul. Reports in the Turkish media confirm they are, in fact, negotiating the sale of Diego Forlán to Besiktas, the purchase of Arda Turan from Galatasaray and a sponsorship deal for next season with Turkish Airlines.
If today’s reports of a deal for Turkish midfielder Arda Turan have any basis in fact, they may be an indicator of what Atleti plans to do with Eduardo Salvio, another promising young talent, currently on loan at Benfica. Given los Rojiblancos’ non-EU passport situation and Turan’s reported fee of €12m, it appears as if Atlético’s front office might be banking on a Salvio sale.