Diego Simeone wants ‘perfect striker’ Mason Greenwood at Atletico Madrid as Marseille demand up to €100m

Atletico Madrid are reportedly preparing a major summer move for Mason Greenwood, with Diego Simeone identifying the Marseille forward as the ideal addition to his attacking ranks.

The former Manchester United academy graduate enjoyed another prolific campaign in France and has quickly become one of the most sought-after forwards in European football. However, prising him away from Marseille will not come cheap.

Simeone identifies Greenwood as ideal fit

According to reports in Spain, Simeone has made Greenwood one of his priority targets as Atletico look to refresh their forward line ahead of the new season.

The Argentine coach is said to view the Englishman as the “perfect striker” for his system due to his versatility, work rate and ability to play in multiple attacking positions.

Greenwood’s previous experience in Spain during his loan spell with Getafe also works in his favour. The 24-year-old adapted quickly to La Liga football and earned widespread praise for his performances, convincing many within Atletico that he could seamlessly return to Spanish football.

His pace, direct running and eye for goal are viewed as qualities that could add a new dimension to Atletico’s attack.

Marseille set huge asking price

While Atletico’s interest is growing, Marseille have no intention of allowing one of their most valuable assets to leave without a substantial offer.

The Ligue 1 club are reportedly seeking a fee that could rise to as much as €100 million following Greenwood’s outstanding 2025-26 campaign.

The forward finished the season with an impressive return of 26 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, underlining his importance to the French side.

Such numbers have significantly increased his market value and strengthened Marseille’s negotiating position heading into the summer transfer window.

Despite the club’s desire to retain him, sporting director Gregory Lorenzi has acknowledged that every player has a price.

“If an opportunity presents itself, inevitably, it will have to be considered,” Lorenzi recently admitted when discussing Greenwood’s future.

Alvarez situation could prove decisive

Any serious move from Atletico may ultimately depend on developments surrounding Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine striker continues to attract interest from several European giants, with Barcelona repeatedly linked with a move despite Atletico publicly dismissing speculation surrounding his future.

Club officials have strongly denied suggestions that Alvarez is pushing for an exit, even accusing sections of the media of spreading misinformation regarding the striker’s situation.

Nevertheless, should a significant offer arrive for the World Cup winner, Atletico would suddenly have the financial flexibility required to pursue Greenwood.

Without a major outgoing transfer, matching Marseille’s valuation would represent a significant challenge.

Summer saga beginning to take shape

Greenwood’s future is increasingly emerging as one of the transfer stories to watch this summer.

At 24, he is entering the prime years of his career and has rebuilt his reputation on the pitch through consistent performances in both Spain and France.

For Atletico, he represents a proven goal threat capable of fitting seamlessly into Simeone’s demanding tactical system.

For Marseille, he is one of their most valuable assets and a player they would only consider losing for a transformative fee.

With Atletico’s interest intensifying and uncertainty remaining over Alvarez’s future, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Greenwood remains in Ligue 1 or makes a high-profile return to La Liga.