Atletico Cool Riquelme Interest
Villarreal's Argentinian playmaker was a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, but the Vicente Calderon side have apparently spurned him in favour of keeping faith in "Kun" Aguero.
Former Barcelona man Juan Roman Riquelme could have been an Atletico Madrid player next season, but the capital club seems set to end all interest in the attacking midfielder.
Villarreal are apparently open to offers for the player, who spent last season on loan to his old club Boca Juniors, with several Spanish clubs interested. Now, Atletico are not among them, instead looking at other options.
"Kun" Aguero partnered Fernando Torres up front for much of last season and, so highly rated is he by the Atleti management, seems set to be given plenty of first team options once more. It is thought that signing Riquelme would have made it more difficult to field Aguero, leading to a withdrawl from the race for his signature.
Furthermore, La Liga operates a restriction on the number of non-EU players allowed in each squad. With Riquelme being Argentinian, and without a European passport, Atletico would need to de-register Eller or Cleber to make room for a new signing, which would be extremely difficult for them.
Now, Atleti seem set to chase other players, perhaps including full-backs.
Riquelme is currently with the Argentinian squad competing in the Copa America 2007 in Venezuela.
goal.com