Bayern Munich is one of many European heavyweights that have taken a deep interest in the Spanish market over the last few years. Last winter, they brought in Bryan Zaragoza from Granada, and while his signings have been lackluster thus far, they have not been discouraged from looking again at La Liga.

Pablo Barrios is the player that has captured their attention in recent months. They have been following the Atletico Madrid midfielder for some time, and while they are said to be competing with Chelsea, there appears to be a great desire to conclude a deal for the 21-year-old, who has had a fantastic season. Recent reports have stated that Bayern would be willing to pay €70 million for Barrios, but their desire to sign the Spanish prodigy appears to be even stronger than previously imagined. According to La Razon (via ED), the Bundesliga giants are willing to meet Atleti’s existing €100 million release clause in his contract.

This news could have disturbed Atleti, but it does not appear to have done so. According to the source, Barrios is expected to remain with the club for many years, and a new deal, which has been in the works for some months, will be given – and agreed upon – at the end of the season. Barrios has been one of Atleti’s top players this season. He began the season as a backup to Koke Resurreccion and Rodrigo De Paul, but he has since established himself as a regular starter under head coach Diego Simeone. He even outperformed Conor Gallagher, one of last summer’s high-profile signings. It is unclear whether Bayern act on their interest in Barrios, but for now, Atletico Madrid are calm and confident about the situation.