Atletico Madrid are set to rival Real Madrid for the signing of Bayern Munich defender Lucas Hernandez, who is valued at around €45 million.
According to a report from Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Atletico Madrid are determined to win the race for their former defender, aiming to beat Real Madrid in the signing of Lucas Hernandez during the summer.
The Frenchman is currently valued at around €45 million by Bayern Munich, and the relatively low transfer fee for a 25-year-old of his quality might be enough to entice the two Madrid clubs.
Hernandez spent 12 years at Atletico Madrid before joining Bayern Munich, after progressing tough the ranks in the Spanish side's youth setup, before going on to play in the first-team regularly for five years.
The Frenchman has played at either left-back or centre-back at both Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, but he has struggled for consistent playing time at the latter.
Hernandez has made 56 appearances for Bayern Munich so far, and the Bundesliga champions could be set to cash in on the defender in the summer transfer window, with this alerting both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's interest in Hernandez makes a great deal of sense, with Marcelo set to leave the club in the summer, and if that happens, Zinedine Zidane will be left with just Ferland Mendy as their only natural left-back in the squad.
However, Real Madrid have other options other than the Bayern Munich man, with Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy and Lucas Hernandez's brother, Theo Hernandez, have both emerged as possible options.
Diego Simeone has a similar problem at Atletico Madrid, with them having Renan Lodi as their only natural left-back, and Hernandez could be a very good signing, especially since he is able to play at the heart of the defence as well.
Atletico Madrid are set to try to raise some funds for the transfer by cashing in on Saul Niguez, who has attracted plenty of interest from all around Europe, having an uncertain future at the club.
Given the competition between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, they could have to pay more than the €45 million that Bayern Munich want for him, and the two clubs could be set for a price war in the summer.
