Atletico Madrid began moving early in preparation for the upcoming transfer market, as part of their efforts to strengthen the left-back position, which is considered a key role in coach Diego Simeone's system.

According to the website "Fichajes," the management of the Madrid club views signing Carlos Romero, a Villarreal player currently on loan at Espanyol, as a very complicated option due to his club's insistence on the €45 million buyout clause. This has led Atlético to look for more realistic alternatives.

The same source explained that the name Mario Mitaj, the left-back of the Saudi club Al-Ittihad, has strongly emerged in recent weeks as one of the options on the table for the officials of Metropolitano, due to his physical capabilities and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, as well as his young age and international experience with the Albanian national team.

The report indicated that the deal may face competition from clubs in the English Premier League, but Atlético Madrid is relying on the appeal of its sporting project under Simeone's leadership, as well as the possibility of reaching a suitable financial agreement, given that the deal is valued at around 10 million euros.

Strengthening the left side of the defense is a clear priority for Atlético Madrid as they seek to balance defensive solidity with offensive effectiveness in preparation for the upcoming season.