A No.9 and only a No.9 is what Simeone needs

Atletico Madrid are looking for formulas in order to meet Diego Simeone's request, which is to bring in a No.9 in the January transfer window.

In order for Atletico to sign players during the next window, they will have to try and circumvent the salary limit that has thus far limited their options with regard to strengthening the squad.

Los Rojiblancos have already distributed the 350 million euros LaLiga have allowed them to spend as part of their Financial Fair Play regulations, so the only way that they can bring a player in is if they allow a player to depart.

Similarly to last season, Atletico are struggling for goals and have once again been hit by injuries to their attacking players, most notably with Diego Costa, who is out for at least three months after having an operation on a herniated disk.

Should Atletico create the necessary financial space to do so, the only addition that they want to make is a goalscorer, a No.9, that can lessen the burden on Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix.

The lack of goals has led to Atletico drawing half of their games in LaLiga Santander to this point, while their form in the Champions League has been unconvincing. In fact, in the Spanish top flight, Los Colchoneros have managed to score just 16 goals in 16 games.

As such, any player that is not a striker will be ruled out, for January at least. There will not be any midfielders, or a left-back to act as cover for Renan Lodi.

Instead, a No.9 will be targeted in order to help alleviate the problem Simeone's side have had with finding the back of the net.

That is what Simeone wants, and he has made it clear to both sporting director Andrea Berta and CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin. They are aware that the Argentine wants someone to come in and take the place of Costa; nothing else.