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Diego's cal-ing card

Diego Simeone will reject Arsenal and Inter Milan offers to stay at Atletico Madrid and oversee historic move from Vicente Calderon to Wanda Stadium

Highly-rated Argentine boss a target for several big clubs across Europe, but wants to stay in Spanish capital for now

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DIEGO SIMEONE will be at Atletico Madrid next season no matter where they finish in La Liga, according to reports in Spain.

The Rojiblancos risk failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2012 as they sit just one point above fifth-place, Real Sociedad.

 Diego Simeone will stay at Atletico Madrid beyond end of current campaign
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Diego Simeone will stay at Atletico Madrid beyond end of current campaignCredit: Getty Images

And many have pointed the finger at the club’s uncharacteristic lack of discipline — a sign that Simeone’s heart is not in the job as much as in recent seasons.


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While constant rumours of interest from Juventus, Arsenal and strong talk of a return to Inter Milan also led many to believe this could be his final season in the Spanish capital.

However, , report Simeone will not be leaving Atletico and will oversee the historic transition from the Vicente Calderon to the new 70,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitan Stadium.

While, he and transfer specialist, Andrea Berta, are already working with the club’s hierarchy to pin-point summer arrivals.

 Work on-going at Atletico Madrid's new stadium, which will open next season
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Work on-going at Atletico Madrid's new stadium, which will open next seasonCredit: EPA
 When complete, Atletico Madrid's Wanda Stadium will fit 70,000 supporters
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When complete, Atletico Madrid's Wanda Stadium will fit 70,000 supportersCredit: EPA
 Diego Simeone has been accused of not showing as much passion this season
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Diego Simeone has been accused of not showing as much passion this seasonCredit: Getty Images
 Atletico Madrid celebrate after overcoming Chelsea in 2014 Champs Lge semi-finals
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Atletico Madrid celebrate after overcoming Chelsea in 2014 Champs Lge semi-finalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Atletico Madrid beat Juventus, who would reach final, in 2014-15 group stage
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Atletico Madrid beat Juventus, who would reach final, in 2014-15 group stageCredit: Getty Images
 Antoine Griezmann celebrates after his double downed Barcelona in Europe
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Antoine Griezmann celebrates after his double downed Barcelona in EuropeCredit: EPA

The club expect to lose Antoine Griezmann in the summer, but Atletico are renowned for their ability to find new attacking talent.

Simeone’s side captured the imagination of fans all over Europe with their pressing and well-drilled style.

Built on a strong defence, they have overcome the likes of Chelsea, Juventus, Barcelona and Bayern Munich during their assault on a first-ever Champions League crown.

 Atletico Madrid players celebrate after overcoming Bayern Munich in semi-finals
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Atletico Madrid players celebrate after overcoming Bayern Munich in semi-finalsCredit: Getty Images
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Gareth Bale scored the decisive goal as Real Madrid won 2014 Champ Lge final

 Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty condemned Atletico to second final defeat in two years
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Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty condemned Atletico to second final defeat in two yearsCredit: Getty Images

And, only Real Madrid — in two finals and a quarter-final — have overcome them in the past 36 months.

However, this season, while they are free-scoring unlike in previous campaigns, they have lost much of their defensive discipline.

And one of the explanations for this dramatic shift is that Simeone is ready to move on.

 Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid players celebrate 2014 La Liga title
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Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid players celebrate 2014 La Liga titleCredit: Getty Images
 Diego Simeone has often talked about a potential return to former club, Inter
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Diego Simeone has often talked about a potential return to former club, InterCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Arsene Wenger has been tipped to leave in summer, but Diego Simeone won't come in
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Arsene Wenger has been tipped to leave in summer, but Diego Simeone won't come inCredit: Alamy

Earlier this campaign, he took the unprecedented step of decreasing his contract by two years — while he has frequently talked up managing former club, Inter, at some point in the future.

Atletico are fourth in La Liga and out of the title race — and were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Barcelona at the semi-final stage.

However, they beat Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 away from home in their Champions League last-16 clash to take a big step towards the quarter-finals.

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