Valencia star set to sign for Atletico Madrid outside of transfer window
Atletico Madrid are poised to sign Valencia midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia within the next 48 hours, outside of the transfer window.
Atletico were chasing the 27-year-old in the summer, while Leeds, Arsenal and Spurs were all credited with an interest in the player.
Kondogbia publicly blasted Valencia president Anil Murthy over his failed summer transfer.
“After destroying an ambitious project, you had to mislead the coach and, finally, me. Thank you, Anil Murthy,” Kondogbia said.
But now Kondogbia could get his move to LaLiga rivals Atletico, as per Marca.
Los Rojiblancos were not expected to make a firm offer until January. However, they have now been granted special dispensation by LaLiga.
It means that Atletico can complete the signing of Kondogbia outside of the transfer window.
Thomas Partey’s last-minute move to Arsenal on deadline day last month means that Atletico have been given some leeway.
Although Atletico brought in Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal, his signing was always intended to be in addition to keeping Partey.
Marca claim the deal is worth an initial €5m, while Cadena Ser say the two clubs have agreed a transfer fee that could reach as much as €20m.
The France-born star is set for a medical in Madrid on Monday, when is is also expected to agree personal terms.
Marca reports that the former Inter Milan star could play a role against Cadiz in LaLiga at the weekend.
Kondogbia is out of contract at the Mestalla in 2022, meaning Valencia are facing a race against time to sell him on for a profit.
They forked out €25m to Inter Milan for his signature in 2018, but his value is depreciating.
Arsenal tracked Kongdogbia
Todofichajes claimed in July that Arsenal were keen on Kondogbia, who they have tracked for a “long time”.
It’s understood Mikel Arteta had the player as a back-up option in case they failed to land Partey.
However, Todofichajes added at the time that Arsenal already faced a major hurdle in their attempts to get at Kondogbia.
French side Nice were reportedly in pole position to sign the £22m-rated midfielder – a position they assumed in January. As such, Patrick Vieira’s men have the option of “priority negotiations” with Valencia.