Atletico Madrid reopen talks for Japanese free agent Daichi Kamada

Atletico Madrid are back in contention for Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada and have opened talks over a potential free transfer, as per Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo.

Atletico Madrid had Kamada on top of their wishlist before AC Milan moved up the queue to sign him.

However, the deal appears to be off, with the Italian giants signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek and currently prioritising a move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

It has allowed Atletico to revive their pursuit of the Japanese international, who is also wanted by Serie A champions Napoli.

Kamada saw his popularity grow following his excellent stint at Frankfurt – helping them win the Europa League in 2020/21 – and after featuring in the last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The 26-year-old enjoyed his most productive season yet last term, racking up 16 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Nominally an attacking midfielder, Kamada also excelled as a central midfielder under Oliver Glasner last season.

Kamada has been viewed as a replacement for Joao Felix as he also can play as a second striker or a false 9.

However, with the presence of Antoine Griezmann, the Japanese midfielder could only find a place in the midfield in the current Atletico squad.

Diego Simeone aims to bolster the options in the middle of the park ahead of next season, and a holding midfielder is his priority.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti, Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sofyan Amrabat are some of Atletico’s desired targets.

Los Rojiblancos are also keeping tabs on Real Sociedad’s talented midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but his high asking price might reduce the chances of his signing.

Atletico have added Javi Galan, Caglar Soyuncu, Cesar Azpilicueta and Santiago Mourinho to their ranks in the ongoing transfer window.