Atlético has two names on its most wanted list. To shore up the flanks, that of Ansaldi. For the midfield pairing, that of Witsel. Both the Argentine and the Belgian belong to Zenit St Petersburg, so that, when the time comes, the club will need to sweet talk the Russian entity. So far there has been an initial approach to the players themselves, who have outlined the terms for which they would be willing to change colours.

Cristian Ansaldi joined Zenit last season from Rubin where he had played for five years. The problem is that the Argentine is not keen on the first option of a loan deal that is being proposed by the 'Rojiblancos'.

Now settled in Russia, he would prefer for any move he makes to be definitive. He does not like the idea that Atlético may take him on loan and then fail to pick up the purchase option, which would mean his returning to Zenit.

It seems that Axel Witsel, having recently concluded his participation in the World Cup with Belgium and begun his holidays, could prove an even tougher target. Mostly because the midfielder cost Zenit €40 million when they signed him from Benfica. At the time, the two parties signed a contract until 2017 - a date which strangely also coincides with the end of Ansaldi's commitment to his club.