Real Betis are facing the threat of losing striker Antonio Sanabria next summer, as the forward has been made the target of Diego Simeone and Atletico Madrid. The Paraguay forward has been a strong player for Real Sociedad since coming to the club from Roma in the summer of 2016. After having started out his career with Barcelona in 2009 as a youth player, he made a couple of appearances for the B team at the Catalan club. He left for Sassuolo in 2014 and then represented Roma in a couple of matches over a two-year spell. From here, he made the return to Real Betis. This was his permanent return to Spanish football, although he spent a season on loan at Sporting Gijon.
The 21-year-old is a highly rated player and he has been able to grab 11 goals in 32 appearances for Real Betis. After having come up with five goals in 24 games last season, the 2017-18 campaign has witnessed an even greater improvement in performances from the Paraguayan. He has come up with seven goals in just 10 appearances. The impressive goal tally has not gone unnoticed, as the forward has gone on to make more appearances at the national team level. He has scored one goal in his nine games for Paraguay.
Even though Roma still have the € 11 million option to buy back the player, the option may not be taken up since the player favours staying in Spain. Sanabria made the switch to Real Betis for around € 7 million and it is rumoured that Roma may have to come up with € 14.5 million if they decide to sign Sanabria in the summer rather than in January. After having had an injury start to his life at Real Betis, Sanabria is finally coming to life.