Mateu Alemany reportedly eyeing Iraola as potential Atlético Madrid manager
Transfer insider Matteo Moretto reveals Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has admirers across Europe, with Atlético Madrid's sporting director among his fans.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola could be on the move this summer, with Atlético Madrid potentially joining the queue of admirers.
Iraola in demand
Well, well, well… looks like Andoni Iraola’s stellar work at Bournemouth hasn’t gone unnoticed across Europe. The Spanish gaffer has been turning heads with his tactical nous on the south coast, transforming the Cherries into a proper outfit capable of giving the big boys a right good game.
According to transfer insider Matteo Moretto, speaking on Radio MARCA’s ‘Despierta San Francisco’ show, Iraola’s phone might be ringing off the hook come summer:
“Iraola has many suitors,” Moretto revealed, suggesting there’s a “very high percentage” the Spaniard will leave England when the season wraps up.
What’s particularly interesting for Spanish football watchers is that Atlético Madrid might be among those admirers. Moretto dropped the bombshell that Mateu Alemany - Atleti’s sporting director - is a massive fan of Iraola’s work and sees him as a potential fit for the club’s philosophy.
This naturally raises questions about Diego Simeone’s future at the Metropolitano, though Moretto acknowledged the special bond between El Cholo and Atlético remains “inexplicable” - suggesting any transition would be complicated, to say the least.
Goretzka back on Atleti’s radar
In other Atlético news, the Rojiblancos are still after midfield reinforcements with Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka emerging as a target once again. Moretto confirmed Atleti have made fresh inquiries about the German international in recent days.
The midfielder would likely be more attainable in the summer when his contract situation makes him available on a free, but Atleti appear keen to test the waters now.
Espanyol and Girona transfer bits
Brief updates on other Spanish clubs:
- Espanyol are close to securing Torino player Ngonge on loan with an option to buy
- Lazio have expressed interest in Girona defender Arnau Martínez, but the Catalans are standing firm on his release clause
The transfer window’s heating up like a proper Spanish summer, and there’s plenty more bread and honey to come before deadline day.