A new contract to be sorted?! Atletico Madrid looking to ink Argentine sensation Nahuel Molina to new deal while raising release clause

• Current deal expires in 2027
• Atletico keen to raise release clause
• Player set for pay rise

WHAT HAPPENED? Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Atletico are in negotiations to improve the full-back's current deal which runs to 2027. As well as a salary increase the club are intent on raising Molina's buy-out clause from €30m (£25.8m/$32.1m) to €70m (£60.1m/$74.9m).

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Molina has become a key player for Atletico since arriving from Udinese last summer, playing more minutes for Diego Simeone last season than any other player. While defensively sound, the 25-year-old also has a habit of scoring goals. With a relatively low buy-out clause, Molina would be eyed as something of a bargain by Premier League clubs.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT FOR NAHUEL MOLINA? Though Argentina's triumph in Qatar still seems fresh in the memory, the Albiceleste have already started their 2026 World Cup campaign. Molina featured in last night's win over Ecuador in a game settled by Lionel Messi's outrageous free kick. Argentina face a trip to the infamously high altitude of La Paz to face Bolivia on Tuesday.