Atletico 'looking for a striker to sign' in Jan, but the salary cap is limited

The lack of goals for Atletico Madrid mean that they have no choice but to look for a striker to bring into the club in January, despite limitations from their salary cap.

Los Colchoneros are after a proven striker who can bring goals right away, although it will need to be a big signing to justify wearing the red and white shirt as has been the case with previous January signings.

Alvaro Morata was the last example, joining from Chelsea a year ago looking to prove himself having played for Real Madrid, Juventus and Spain and arriving with Diego Costa sidelined and Antoine Griezmann as the only option.

At the time, the same issue of the salary cap existed, with the club desperately looking to sell Nikola Kalinic and Gelson Martins to make room for him, instead resorting to selling Jonny to Wolves only six months after he joined when the Croatian could not be sold.

The deal came in an 18-month loan with different purchase options allowing the club to make it a permanent switch without overspending.

It was not the first time that a deal was operated in this way to avoid financial complications as it was also the case when Fernando Torres returned to Madrid with Alessio Cerci heading to AC Milan.

A few months ago it seemed impossible that there would be a solution, but it was also the case when Diego Costa and Vitolo both signed, though they could not play until the summer due to a transfer ban.

With a limit of 348.5 million euros for salaries which have already been spent, the search for a No.9 is on.

The profile is clear: recognised in Europe, a proven goalscorer, respected and able to perform from the off.

Emerging stars or gambles on future talents are not what the club is after, but there are a number of options which could arrive and lead to the sale of players, or another imaginative solution.