The Atletico manouever to hamper Barça's transfer plans
Atletico Madrid see FC Barcelona as a direct rival not just for La Liga 2016/17, but also the Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies.
For this reason, they do not want to allow Barça to strengthen, and less so if it is through signings that come from Atletico's own squad.
This has led to the club managed by Diego Simeone taking a step backwards, and they are now determined not to allow neither Sevilla's Kevin Gameiro, nor their Argentine Luciano Vietto from joining the Barcelona ranks.
In this sense, Atletico are prepared to favour Sevilla, who also want Vietto, if necessary.
The words of Enrique Cerezo, the president of 'Atleti', that stated they would let Vietto choose his own destination, have disappeared into the wind.
The side based at the Vicente Calderon now prioritise their forward joining the Andalusian club, and if possible, within the transfer of Gameiro in the opposite direction.
This would have the effect of blocking Barça's attempts to improve their squad, and hinder them in their fight to compete for all the trophies this season.
Only Luciano Vietto can change the tide, should he pressure the club's directors by demanding a switch to Barça, but this is a possibility that decreases by the hour.
