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La Liga Leaks: Barca’s striker hunt, Gameiro joins Atletico

Atletico Madrid have the striker they’ve been looking for this summer: Kevin Gameiro. Earlier this week we saw one of the strikers currently on their books, Luciano Vietto, join up with Sevilla and successfully pass a medical. However last night saw an agreement reached between the two clubs for Gameiro to head in the other direction.

Edit: Both deals have now been officially confirmed.

Atletico Madrid will pay €32m for the French striker, plus an extra €5m in add-ons. That’s a more than respectful sum for a 29-year-old and not far off his €40m buyout clause. With Gameiro’s exit - alongside the departure of Ciro Immobile and most likely Fernando Llorente too - this means Sevilla will be heading back into the transfer market themselves. ABC Sevilla claim an agreement is in place for the club to sign Wissam Ben Yedder from Toulouse for €9m. Monchi, as we know, is no slouch in the transfer market.

And while Barcelona were busy celebrating beating Real Madrid to the signature of Andre Gomes, they forgot about their need for a striker themselves. Mundo Deportivo claim Mario Mandzukic has joined the list of serious options to backup Luis Suarez next season but this goes against everything the club is saying, and rival newspaper SPORT have said there’s absolutely no chance of the club signing Mandzukic. Oh dear.

MARCA seem to think they’ve cracked the code as to why Barcelona are scouting talents in Brazil, then mention two players who are practically signed by other clubs. Gabriel Jesus looks set to join Manchester City while Gabriel Barbosa ‘Gabigol’ is in advanced talks with Juventus as they continue to spend the Paul Pogba money. The other name on the list is that of Lucas Lima, someone Neymar himself has personally recommended to Luis Enrique.

Meanwhile in SPORT they’ve offered up their own names in the striker hunt. The first of which is Jonathan Calleri, who just a few days ago was linked with a loan move to West Ham. He’d be cheaper than most options explored this summer due to the fact he’s owned by an investment group and is available for €15m. He will go to the Olympics though so wouldn’t help cover the loss of Neymar during the same period.

The last name is Luan Viera, who plays for Gremio in the Brazilian league. Last year he was voted into the team of the year and his improvement has alerted the attention of many European sides. SPORT say he’d cost around €20m and that in his native Brazil the media has suggested he is close to a move abroad.

Other news and rumours:

- Valencia have been offered Deportivo’s centre back Sidnei. You can probably guess who his agent is. (Plaza Deportiva)

- Mateo Kovacic’s agent has been speaking about his client’s future. “I haven’t spoken to the club but there’s no need to. Mateo is working hard to earn his place like everyone else except Cristiano (Ronaldo), who is the only certainty (in the team).” (MARCA)

- After deciding against a move for Pogba, Real Madrid are weighing up other options to strengthen the centre of midfield: Marco Verratti, Nemanja Matic, Moussa Sissoko and Blaise Matuidi all feature. (AS)

- Fernando Llorente could end up staying at Sevilla after Swansea’s first offer for the striker was rejected. (MARCA)

- Martin Montoya has rescinded his contract with Barcelona and is in Valencia to sign for Los Che. Officially not part of the deal which saw Andre Gomes join the Catalan giants. (Superdeporte)