Sources told ESPN that real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso is the top target for Atlético Madrid as they hope to strengthen the midfield in the summer transfer window.

Atlético coach Diego Simeone believes that ASI is a key component in completing his team. Simeone repeatedly asked for a defensive midfielder in the past transfer window.

Sources told ESPN that Atlético tried to sign Atlanta midfielder Ederson last year, but the deal was successful due to high demands from Serie A clubs, which allowed Simeone to rely on the versatility of Pablo Barrios and master the role.

Atlético transferred 20 million euros ($22.6 million) from Antwerp in January 2024 to strengthen the position to sign Arthur Vermeeren. However, the Belgian midfielder has limited playtime and has been in a long-term role in Leipzig after seven months, with the option to permanently make the move this summer.

Although Barrios, 21, has performed well in his defensive midfield role this season, Simeone believes it is necessary to sign a player who can bring a solid attitude to the team while giving Barrios more freedom to create games.

Sources told ESPN that Atlético sees Cardoso as an ideal player because despite being 23 years old, he already has experience in Laliga. However, Tottenham Hotspur has an important choice in the USMNT midfield.

The New Jersey-born player also owns an Italian passport and arrived in Betis from Brazil International Club in January 2024. His performance for Betis was stable, earning him an extension of his contract with the Seville Club until June 2030. Cardoso sets 80 million euros in his contract, but sources told ESCN that the numbers are agreed upon.

The plan is to get Atlético to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Betis next month so that Cardoso can join them this summer. Sources also told ESPN that veteran Atlético defender César Azpilicueta will leave the club after it expires on June 30.

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is the first candidate for Atlético to consider replacing him. Atlético already knows that players will be willing to join the club, but be cautious because they know that it is not easy to reach a deal with the Spurs, and Romero has also attracted the interest of top European teams.

As for Atlético's offensive line plan, it depends on Ángel Correa. The Argentine international has announced his departure on social media, with the players struck a deal to join Liga MX Club Tigres.

However, Atlético insisted in a statement that Correa “has signed a contract with the club as of June 30, 2026”.

Atlético requires a €6 million fee from Tigres to Free Correa. Tigres has not provided a quote for players yet. If Correa leaves, Atlético will have to go public to sign the striker.

Another goal for Atlético this summer is to strengthen its left turn without putting Samu Lino on the transfer list. The Brazilian winger has several European clubs leaving the club this summer.