ATLETICO MADRID may put together one last-ditch effort to sign Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes despite being threatened with legal action by the Ligue 1 outfit, reports suggest.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico haven’t given up on Guimaraes, who has impressed in France ever since joining Rudi Garcia’s side in the winter of 2020.
Lyon star Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a move to Atletico MadridCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
Lyon got their man after owner Jean-Michel Aulas threatened Atleti, along with his previous team Athletico Paranaense, with legal action.
That was over an agreement between the two clubs that saw Atletico being given first refusal on the 23-year-old after one of his team-mates moved to Madrid.
Guimaraes ultimately put pen to paper with Lyon following a loan deal that was made permanent last summer.
Aulas and Paranaense agreed on a reported €25million (£22m) deal which included a 20 per cent sell-on fee.
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However, Renan Lodi’s move to Atletico from the Brazilian club included a stipulation allowing the Madrid giants first refusal and to match any offer made for Guimaraes.
Atleti manager Diego Simeone is still keen on the midfielder amid the collapse of domestic media rights in Ligue 1.
Guimaraes has featured heavily in Garcia’s side this season, amassing 24 appearances across all competitions.
Since moving to the Groupama Stadium the Brazil international has made a total of 33 appearances.
Atletico are making a strong claim for the LaLiga title this season following a raft of uninspiring displays by Real Madrid and Barcelona throughout the campaign.
Simeone will be looking to maintain a strong core ahead of next season and that could explain his persistence on Guimaraes.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
