Atletico Madrid have earmarked Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez as their top transfer target to replace Diego Costa, claims Marca.
Costa underwent successful foot surgery in Brazil earlier this week and there are reports suggesting the 30-year-old could be sidelined for up to two months.
The Brazilian-born Spain international has endured a troubled campaign for Atletico amid on-going fitness struggles and speculation about his future at the club.
Atletico are in a good position to rival Barcelona for the league title and Simeone is planning further reinforcements in January to bolster their chances of success in the second half of the season.
The Spanish side signed Nikola Kalinic from AC Milan in the summer but the 30-year-old has failed to make a serious impression and now Atletico have their sights on Gomez.
The Celta Vigo striker was heavily linked with a move to West Ham in the summer and there were even reports claiming the Hammers had triggered his €50m release clause.
Gomez has emerged as one of the brightest young forwards in Spain since the start of last season and the financials involved to prise him away from Celta could prove Atletico’s undoing.
The 22-year-old has scored 24 league goals since the start of last season. Furthermore, only Cristhian Stuani (14) has scored more headed goals than Gomez (12) in La Liga in that time.
