Atlético Madrid have agreed a deal to sign the Italy forward Alessio Cerci from Torino, the Spanish champions have announced.
The 27-year-old Cerci, who had been linked with a move to Arsenal, will pen a three-year contract with Atlético, pending a successful medical.
A statement on www.clubatleticodemadrid.com read: “Atlético Madrid and Torino have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alessio Cerci to our club, pending a medical and the signing of the contract. The Italy international will be tied to the club for the next three seasons.”
Cerci, who has won 13 caps for Italy and was part of the Azzurri’s World Cup squad this summer, has recorded 21 goals and 19 assists for Torino in the last two seasons and Atlético’s sporting director, José Luis Perez Caminero, feels he will be a vital addition to the Rojiblancos.
“The agreement reached with Torino for the transfer of Cerci is a joy for everyone. It was a clear objective to finish strengthening our squad ahead of all the challenges that we have in front us this season,” he said.
“We’ve had to make a big effort after all the operations we’ve made this summer, but we’re convinced it’s worth the effort because we consider him a key piece for our team.
“He will contribute speed, goals...He’s going to give us more alternatives in our attacking play.”
Atlético have undergone a summer of change since winning their first Primera Division title since 1996 last season and also reaching the Champions League final.
Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois, Filipe Luís and David Villa have left the club, with Antoine Griezmann, Mario Mandzukic, Raúl Jiménez, Jan Oblak and Guilherme Siqueira among those brought in by the coach, Diego Simeone.