Kevin Gameiro scored his first Atletico Madrid goal of the season on October 22nd, and quickly afterwards tried to push away talk of a transfer.
For months, the Spanish sport media have been taking for granted that Gameiro would be edged out of the rojiblancos, with Everton said to be ‘very interested’ in the Frenchman.
Gameiro took his goal as a chance to fire back, saying: “If they do not want me they have to say it clearly.”
Atletico couldn’t have really made it much clearer, if the leaks to the press have been from them. Gameiro has been persona non grata when Diego Costa’s arrival in January is considered.
Not giving in, and not publicly nodding at other opportunities like Everton, Gameiro has been determined to take his chances. Unfortunately that one goal against Celta is all he has to show after Diego Simeone gave him a series of chances.
Two Champions League starts against Qarabag have resulted in zero goals and two poor performances.
AS today give the striker a blank rating for his Qarabag performance, with Atletico now facing a struggle to qualify. The Spanish newspaper pinpoint Gameiro as the worst performer.
The Madrid club feels like it’s stuttering towards January, hoping that players already purchased, such as Diego Costa and Vitolo, can help save their season.
For Gameiro, it may be time to start practising English. If the Everton interest was Steve Walsh driven, rather than from Ronald Koeman, then a Goodison Park attempt could be on the cards.
Gameiro is better than he’s been showing and as available strikers go in January, is a good option for Everton.
