Atletico expect to make four signings unless an existing player’s release clause is triggered

Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has said the club do not plan on making more than three or four signings this summer unless an existing player’s release clause is triggered, according to Spanish media outlet AS. If a player’s buyout clause is exercised, the club will look to replace him. 

The Spanish club have been affected by the financial consequences of the pandemic and will not be as aggressive in this summer’s transfer market as they have been in previous years. The Rojiblancos are on the Spanish government furlough scheme and so will only be able to spend 25% of the profits they generate from sales in addition to any savings they might already have. 

Thomas Partey has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past few months and has a £45 million buyout clause. Atletico have offered the player a new contract that would see his wages and release clause increase significantly but the Ghanaian midfielder has so far not agreed to extend his stay in Madrid. 

Arsenal view the Ghana international as their primary transfer target. They have seen cash plus player bids for Partey rejected by Atletico Madrid who have made it clear that they will only let the player leave if his buyout clause is triggered.