Report: Atletico to sign De Paul from Udinese for initial €35M

Atletico Madrid are finally getting their man.

After negotiating with Serie A side Udinese for two weeks, the La Liga champions have agreed to pay an initial €35 million fee for midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, reports Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian.

The Argentine star will sign a five-year contract with Atletico, Romano adds.

The 27-year-old, who's currently at the Copa America with Argentina, has developed into one of the most exciting and creative midfielders in Serie A since moving to Italy from his homeland in 2016.

A versatile playmaker who can play multiple positions, De Paul scored nine goals while racking up the same number of assists for Udinese in league play this past season.

Atletico beat out competition from multiple clubs for the player's signature, according to Romano.

With the possibility that Saul Niguez could leave the Spanish capital this summer, De Paul offers an ideal potential replacement. He can be a dynamic presence and is feisty enough to fit in on Diego Simeone's side.