Diego Simeone knows that he cannot last a whole year with Luis Suarez as his only striker. The Spanish champions are going to rely on the veteran Uruguayan again this season, but it wouldn’t be wise not to have a deputy lined up. After Atleti failed in their bid to land Fiorentina’s Serbian giant Dusan Vlahovic, they were forced to look elsewhere. Their backup option is Hertha Berlin’s Brazilian Matheus Cunha – and he looks like a certainty for the red and whites after falling out with his current club’s manager.Sunday, 23.00: (1.78) Atletico Madrid (3.50) Villareal (4.90)According to Sky Germany, a deal worth $35 million has been reached with Hertha Berlin to bring the 22-year-old to the Spanish capital.In last weekend’s 2-1 defeat against Wolfsburg, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist was not even in the squad after he had behaved tactically undisciplined during the previous game in Cologne, prompting Hertha coach Pal Dardai to issue an ultimatum to the former RB Leipzig man.”If Matheus is ready to work for the team again, then he can play again.”🚨| Matheus Cunha is on his way to Atlético Madrid on a deal worth €30m. He will be signing a 5 year contract with the club. Leeds was also in the fight, but fell behind. [@brunoandrd🇧🇷] #atmlive pic.twitter.com/YW0QHQsJ0i— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 23, 2021 Diego Simeone will be delighted with the news, having made clear after the Elche victory just how important it is to reinforce their striking options.”When we plan our squad, it is about having two players per position and we clearly need a striker. We will be looking at options and if one doesn’t arrive, we will find a solution.”
