Diego Simeone wants ‘creative’ Copa America star after Leeds United tabled bid to sign him

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Leeds United have been linked with a move for a Copa America attacker in the last couple of weeks, but it looks as if they are to be blown out of the water by Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

Leeds are expected to be in the market for new additions out wide this summer. Jaidon Anthony has already returned to Bournemouth after a loan spell at Elland Road under Daniel Farke during 2023-24.

Ian Poveda has left the club on a free transfer, having spent time at Sheffield Wednesday last season. It leaves Leeds with trio Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Dan James as options on the flanks.

Brenden Aaronson is returning and that could push Georginio Rutter out wide, too. But it is likely that Summerville and Gnonto could leave Elland Road come the summer, meaning Leeds need wingers.

• READ MORE: What Crysencio Summerville thinks about a move to Brighton

Leeds have tabled a bid to sign a Copa America winger

Currently at the Copa America, Marcelo Bielsa is starring as Uruguay manager. The Leeds legend has guided his side into the quarter-finals where they now face Raphinha’s Brazil, after beating USA 1-0.

The Leeds connection doesn’t stop there. Luis Sinisterra’s Colombia take on the surprise package of the competition in the form of Panama, who are managed by former Leeds boss Thomas Christiansen.

But it is one of Sinisterra’s teammates that Leeds have been linked with. Reports from South America state that Leeds are among the clubs to have tabled a £12.7m offer for Fluminense star Jhon Arias.

Simeone looking to blow Leeds out of the water for Jhon Arias

West Ham were leading the charge for Arias, however. A player that has been described as the “most creative” in Brazilian football, the Colombian has had a hand in 73 goals in 168 games for Fluminense.

A report from Canal RCN say Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid want to sign Arias this summer. A decision is unlikely to be made on Arias’ future until Colombia’s involvement at Copa America is finished.

Colombia should beat Panama in the quarter-finals and then it will depend on who reach the last four. Arias’ side will face either Bielsa’s Uruguay or Raphinha’s Brazil in the semi-finals on July 11.