Atletico Madrid join the hunt for Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey

Atletico are reportedly keeping a close eye on many right-backs across the Europe.

British source claim that Atletico Madrid have joined the hunt for Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey.

Brighton spent 3.3 million euros to sign the England international from Chelsea in January 2020. The 20-year-old has three years left on his current contract which expires in 2023.

The right-back has featured in 7 matches for Brighton this term, netting one goal and providing 3 assists in all competitions.

The 20-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest young prospects in England.

Lamptey has represented England at Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, winning 19 caps and scoring one goal.

His impressive performances this season have apparently caught the eye of some of Europe’s big clubs.

Atletico Madrid are looking to sign a right-back and have identified the 20-year-old as potential transfer target.

The report claims that Atletico manager Diego Simeone has extensively scouted Lamptey and is considering a move for the right-back.

According to the report, “Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined a number of top continental clubs interested in signing Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey. The 20-year-old joined The Seagulls in January after losing patience with Chelsea. It appears to have been a good decision as the England Under-21 star has started all seven league games this term. He made eight top-flight appearances last season for the south-coast outfit and is now enjoying a breakout campaign. Having come up through the Chelsea youth system, Lamptey found it tough to break into the first team. He made just one Blues appearance in the league – playing 31 minutes against Arsenal on December 29 last year. With so much talent at Stamford Bridge, it seemed inevitable he would have to move on. Chelsea’s loss is Brighton’s gain, with Graham Potter happy with how his new charge has settled in. Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have been credited with an interest while Spanish side Sevilla are also keen. The Mail have added Atletico’s name to his list of suitors but Brighton do not want to lose the starlet.”

TOP FOOTBALL TRANSFERS 2019-2020

Atletico Madrid will have to present a really enticing offer to bring Brighton to the negotiating table. Atletico have the resources to tempt them but it will be interesting to see if they are willing to overpay for the player.

Good signing for Atletico Madrid?

It is smart from the club to invest in younger players, rather than splashing out big money on experienced players with no resale value.

The La Liga side need to add more depth to their defense and the 20-year-old would be a good signing.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Atletico.

How strong that interest is and whether Atletico will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.

Should Atletico Madrid sign Tariq Lamptey?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.