Any sale of the striker, whose contract expires in 2030, would require a record-breaking fee well in excess of €100m. This cash injection would empower Alemany to pursue elite talents like Silva, who departs Manchester City this summer after winning every possible trophy, and Tottenham defender Romero.
Securing Romero would bolster a defence that desperately needs leadership, especially after he helped Spurs miraculously survive relegation on the final day. With Joao Gomes and Marc Cucurella also targeted, massive squad transformation looms.
Manager Simeone addressed the mounting speculation, stating: "He is old enough to know what he is going to do and he will have his decision made, I imagine."