Atletico sign Argentine teen striker: reports

Atletico Madrid, looking to recover from a dismal first half of the season, have signed 19-year-old striker Eduardo Salvio from Argentine side Lanus for 8 million euros, Spanish media said Tuesday.

“I have fulfilled the dream of my life, because it is a dream to play alongside players like (fellow Argentine Sergio) Aguero or (Diego) Forlan,” Salvio told the sports newspaper Marca.

“Atletico is one of the greats of Europe and I am joining with the hope of battling for major things.”

Lanus chairman Nicolas Russo confirmed the transfer, lamenting that this “fantastic player” was “irreplaceable.”

The Spanish club have been looking for a striker to replace Frenchman Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who left for Sporting Lisbon earlier this month.

Atletico last week signed Portuguese international midfielder Tiago from Juventus and he was presented to the fans on Tuesday.

“I want to repay the trust that the club has placed in me,” the 29-year-old said.

“With Tiago and Salvio, Atletico is closing its reinforcement programme,” club chairman Enrique Cerezo said on Monday.

Atletico, who finished fourth in the league last season, have been in poor form this season, crashing out of the European Champions League while struggling in the league.

However, wins in their last two league games, against Sevilla and Valladolid, have given cause for optimism.