From Metropolitano to Bernabéu, Simeone says goodbye, Xabi Alonso has requested his signing

Atlético and Real Madrid have been competing for years for sporting control of the Spanish capital. Soccer in Madrid is lived as a true religion, and every classic reflects the rivalry that dominates the country's largest city. Those Champions League finals between both teams are still present in the collective memory of the fans.

It should be noted that this rivalry goes beyond the field and also impacts the transfer market, where Atlético and Real Madrid look to get ahead of their eternal rival. This time, the battle centers on a star both Xabi Alonso and Simeone like for his enormous potential. The battle between both clubs has already begun and promises to be one of the great stories of the next transfer window.

Real Madrid and Atlético look to strengthen their backline

Real Madrid's priority for next season is to strengthen the center of defense. This year, Huijsen has arrived as a bet for the future, while Militao and Asencio keep a solid level despite the demands. The problem comes with Rüdiger and Alaba, who have suffered continuous injuries and finish their contracts in the summer, leaving a very weakened area.

Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid find themselves in a similar situation. This summer, Simeone has strengthened the team with several reinforcements for the backline, but he still wants more. He knows that Giménez could leave in the summer and is already looking for alternatives in the transfer market.

For this reason, both Xabi Alonso and Simeone will be forced to go to the market in search of a profile that provides immediate solidity. Both agree on their choice: Lautaro Rivero, a 22-year-old center-back who has established himself with authority at River Plate. However, Atlético and Real Madrid know that they will have to negotiate with the Argentine club if they want to close his signing, since Lautaro's release clause is set at €100 million.

Simeone wants him, but Real Madrid have the advantage

Simeone was the first to show a strong interest in Lautaro Rivero. He sees in him an ideal defender to sustain the intensity his tactical model demands and believes he would fit immediately into his system. The Argentine coach has been looking for a young, physical center-back with personality for some time, three traits that Rivero more than possesses.

However, sources in Argentina claim that Real Madrid has the advantage in the operation. The sporting project led by Xabi Alonso and the urgent need to strengthen the defense work in their favor. The summer will decide his future, but everything suggests that Lautaro Rivero will be one of the main protagonists of the transfer market in the capital.