Atletico Madrid CEO Angel Gil Marin warned the clubs interested in his players that Atletico does not need to sell its players to balance their books. It was a warning to clubs like Chelsea who are reportedly interested in three of Atletico’s players, Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, and Tiago Mendes though Tiago would move on a free transfer. There are rumors that many of the Atletico players will be receiving improved contracts as a reward for winning La Liga and making it to the Champions League final.
Angel Gil Marin on the club’s need, or lack thereof, to sell its players:
"“Our club does not need to sell any member of the first-team squad to improve the balance sheet. We understand why other clubs are interested in our players, as it is normal after the season we have just had that the most powerful clubs in the world are interested in them.We also understand that the players that have been key to our great season will want to improve and we are ready to improve their contracts within the possibilities of this club. For those who do not want to continue, we can only point them in the direction of their release clauses. Those who want to leave the club must do so against the wishes of Atletico.”"
Atletico Madrid certainly does not have the buying power of its two La Liga rivals but with their recent success they may have more in their coffers as usual and can afford to keep some of their star players. While they are traditionally a selling club they are also known to make big purchases in the transfer market such as the 40 million pound move for Radamel Falcao from FC Porto. They may yet sell several of their key players including Diego Costa and Filipe Luis but it will be to turn a profit and not because they need to.
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