Atlético Madrid continue to pressure Barça over a deal for Semedo
However the two clubs are miles apart when it comes to the valuation of the Portuguese full back
Atlético Madrid appear desperate to secure the signing of FC Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo this summer. Now that Diego Simeone's side has managed to get Barça to discuss a deal, the sticking point remains in the cost of this potential transfer.
The two clubs met last week in order to finalise the structure of a move for Antoine Griezmann. During those talks, Atletico once again asked about Semedo's situation. Barça refused to include the full back in any transfer for Griezmann but did open the door to selling him in a separate deal.
It's well known that Semedo wants more regular playing time and to feel first choice. At Barça, he's valued highly by Ernesto Valverde but has shared that role alongside Sergi Roberto. With Euro 2020 coming up, Semedo doesn't want to take any chances and lose the opportunity to represent his country at the tournament.
MILES APART ON THE PRICE
And that's how things currently stand. Barça need to sell in order to free up funds to secure big-money moves to improve other areas of the team. They are open to letting Semedo go for the right price. However, that's where the two sides are at very different ends of the spectrum.
Barça want €50m for Semedo whereas Atletico were thinking €30m was a more fair price. Another factor is the structure of the payments, which appears to be a common theme in this transfer window.
Semedo has a €100m buyout clause and is under contract until 2022. He made 46 appearances for Barça last season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
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