Two men with serious expressions at an event.

Gil Marín prepares a blow to Florentino Pérez: possible companion of Axel Witsel

Atletico Madrid want a key player from Madrid's Champions League last season

Gil Marín is planning a move that could leave Florentino Pérez and Real Madrid with a big concern. The name that has put the white club on alert is that of Andriy Lunin , who has had to live in the shadow of Thibaut Courtois at the Santiago Bernabéu. With his contract about to end in 2025, Atlético de Madrid are seriously considering making him an offer to become the next goalkeeper for the red and white team.

Andriy Lunin greets the fans with his gloves on and the Real Madrid warm-up shirt
Lunin in a match | Europa Press

Diego Pablo Simeone and his coaching staff are already thinking about the future of Atlético's goalkeeping. With Jan Oblak tempted by lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, the club does not want to be left unprotected. It is in this context that Lunin has emerged as an ideal option, as Relevo commented a few weeks ago. At 25, the goalkeeper has proven his worth during Courtois ' long absences, being key for Real Madrid in difficult times.

Lunin's contractual situation, an advantage for Atlético

The big attraction of this operation lies in Lunin 's contractual situation. The young goalkeeper has not yet renewed his contract with Real Madrid , despite the offer having been on the table for months. Florentino Pérez has maintained the same proposal without increasing the figures, which has generated doubts in Lunin about his continuity at the white club.

Andriy Lunin with the green Real Madrid goalkeeper shirt asking for a ball
Lunin with Madrid | Europa Press

Real Madrid have historically been reluctant to negotiate transfers with their city rivals, Atlético. Cases such as that of James Rodríguez, whose signing was vetoed by Real Madrid, have made it clear that any direct negotiation between the two clubs is almost impossible. However, if Lunin decides not to renew and become a free agent, Atlético would have the opportunity to sign him without having to negotiate.

The option of Lunin arriving as a free agent is the one that most excites the Atlético board. Gil Marín and his team are willing to wait if it means securing an international-quality goalkeeper without having to pay a transfer fee. In addition, Lunin sees Atlético as an opportunity to become an undisputed starter, something that seems unlikely at Real Madrid while Courtois remains at the team.

Simeone and the commitment to the future

Simeone has always been a manager who looks to the future with caution but also with ambition. The possible arrival of Lunin to Atlético de Madrid fits perfectly into his vision of a solid team ready to compete at the highest level. Although Oblak remains a key part of the team, Simeone knows that sooner or later he will have to find a successor who can keep the Atlético goal safe.

Jan Oblak ep
Oblak in a match | Europa Press

Lunin , with his youth and experience gained at Real Madrid, seems to be the ideal profile for Atlético. His security between the posts and ability to play with his feet make him exactly what Atlético will need if Oblak decides to end his time.