Chief among the coach's priorities is securing the long-term future of Nico González, 28, who spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid from Juventus. The forward is valued for his versatility and intensity, having delivered a series of strong performances under Simeone.
According to reports in Italy, Simeone is placing particular importance on turning González's move into a permanent deal ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Juventus, though, are not expected to make the negotiations easy for a player who also contributed to Argentina's World Cup campaign.
The Turin club are seeking around €30m to sanction González's sale, a figure Atlético are reluctant to pay in full. That gap is expected to shape discussions between the two clubs as they work towards an agreement that would allow the forward to remain at the Metropolitano.
González joined Atlético on loan from Juventus in September 2025, having struggled for regular football in Turin after his move there from Fiorentina. Since arriving in Madrid, he has become a more prominent figure in Simeone's plans, adding further weight to the club's push to keep him beyond this season.
González's stock has fluctuated over recent years, moving from Fiorentina to Juventus before the loan switch to Madrid was arranged, and the Argentina international has made clear his own preference is to settle at Atlético rather than return to Serie A. That stance gives Simeone's club some leverage in the talks, even if Juventus remain firm on their valuation for now.
Both parties are understood to want the situation resolved before pre-season begins in earnest, with neither club keen to let the uncertainty drag on deep into the remainder of the transfer window.