Atlético Madrid confirmed an unlikely La Liga title this weekend with a dramatic come-from-behind victory at Real Valladolid, breaking the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly for a brief moment. Starting at center back was José María Giménez, who hasn’t had a banner year — thanks in part to multiple injuries — but still played a key role for Diego Simeone, just as he has for the previous six seasons as well.
And if the 26-year-old has his way, he will be there for many more seasons as well — and not just the two still remaining on his current contract.
“I’m not leaving Atlético Madrid this summer. I’ve no doubt, I’m staying.”
-José María Giménez; source: Carrusel Deportivo via Mirror
Giménez, who’s been on the Chelsea radar for several years, was recently once again rumored to be on our shortlist, although his €120m release clause was always going to be a major stumbling block. Even if Atlético might be open to negotiate that down, Giménez himself seems to have no desire to leave the Wanda Metropolitano, so we can probably cross him off the list.
Meanwhile, another name we can probably cross of the list is our very own Fikayo Tomori, with the loanee getting ever closer to making his AC Milan stay permanent. This is surely just a matter of time before it becomes official, just as it’s been likely from the very start of his loan.
ANDIAMOOOO ⚫️. #ForzaMilan
— Fikayo Tomori (@fikayotomori_) May 23, 2021
Milan did confirm their qualification for next season’s Champions League with a 2-0 win over Atalanta on a dramatic final day in the Serie A, which would’ve been the last stumbling block in the €28m deal as agreed with the buy-option built into the loan.
AC Milan are now planning to sign Fikayo Tomori on a permanent deal from Chelsea - there’s option to buy for €28m. #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2021
Final decision soon about Diogo Dalot [with #MUFC] and Brahim Diaz [with Real Madrid].
Talks ongoing for Çalhanoglu and Donnarumma’s contracts.