MX23RW : Thursday, May 23 04:52:14| >> :120:59529:59529:

Wolves emerge as frontrunners for Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia?

Wolves emerge as frontrunners for Atletico's Kondogbia?
© Reuters
Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly emerge as the frontrunners to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly hopeful of signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia this summer.

Having successfully moved Wolves off the bottom of the Premier League to 13th position, head coach Julen Lopetegui had plans for another spending spree over the coming months.

However, it has become known that the West Midlands outfit face FFP issues ahead of 2023-24, with the club effectively needing to sell and reduce their wage bill before they can buy new players.

Joao Moutinho and Diego Costa have already left on free transfers, as could Adama Traore if he opts against penning fresh terms at Molineux.

The situation surrounding Ruben Neves remains complex, though, with Barcelona allegedly reluctant to push through a big-money deal for the Portugal international.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves on May 13, 2023© Reuters

That impasse has the potential to frustrate Lopetegui and delay Wolves' efforts to do business, yet it appears that they have identified their preferred alternative.

According to AS, Wolves are ready to reignite their interest in Kondogbia, who is available for a cut-price fee.

Although the 30-year-old is a valued squad member at Wanda Metropolitano, he is available for transfer this summer as Atletico look to generate funds of their own.

Kondogbia made 13 starts and 11 substitute outings in La Liga and the Champions League during 2022-23, but he rarely featured during the second half of the campaign.

Geoffrey Kondogbia pictured ahead of a Champions League match for Valencia in November 2019© Reuters

Since his successful three-year stint with Valencia up until 2020, the Central African Republic international's stock has dropped courtesy of 38 of his 73 league outings for Atletico coming as a substitute.

Nevertheless, it has been stated that Wolves view him as the ideal target, particularly with Atletico allegedly willing to sell him for no more than €6m (£5.1m).

Wolves and Atletico are no strangers to doing business with the English side having signed Matheus Cunha in January, initially on loan with the obligation to buy.

A separate report has indicated that Besiktas are also contenders for Kondogbia, although the current bid from the Turkish giants is deemed far too low and the player prefers to move to the Premier League.

ID:516238:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4828:

Click here for more stories about Geoffrey Kondogbia

Click here for more stories about Atletico Madrid

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on May 20, 2023.
Read Next:
What is Wolves' top priority for the summer transfer window?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
RCadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!