Diego Simeone eyeing early Atletico Madrid exit to join battle of Premier League super-bosses

Chelsea had targeted Simeone before appointing Antonio Conte

(Getty Images)

Diego Simeone could cut short his Atletico Madrid tenure in order to join the battle of the big-name bosses in the Premier League.

The former Argentina international joined Atletico in 2011 and has lead them to the Europa League, the Copa del Rey and La Liga winners, as well as appearing in two Champions League finals, losing both to rivals Real Madrid.

However following last season’s final, Simeone looked far more dejected than he did after the first one, which led to suggestions he would leave the Spanish capital and was heavily linked with taking the Chelsea job.

The Blues opted for Italy’s Antonio Conte instead as Simeone deciding to stay on and signed a new contract to stay at the club until 2020 – something he later renegotiated to run until 2018.

And while renegotiation looked as though he had earmarked his leaving date, he could now fast forward his departure if the right opportunity came along.

He’s grown frustrated at Atletico’s lack of financial power – they are moving into a new stadium in 2017 – and is tempted by the prospect of challenging the likes of Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp on a regular basis.

Arsenal will be among the favourites should Arsene Wenger leave at the end of the season, although Chelsea could reignite their interest in Simeone with reports recently suggesting that owner Roman Abramovich was already growing tired of Conte.