Atletico Madrid has confirmed their first signing of the summer for €35 million as they look to further bolster their midfield after winning the La Liga title last term.

The club tweeted a photo of Copa America champion and Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo De Paul following his transfer from Serie A club Udinese.

Rodrigo De Paul joins Atletico Madrid on a five-year contract and is expected to immediately enter Diego Simeone's starting XI next season, with the likes of Saúl Ñíguez's future uncertain.

“I'm very happy,” De Paul said in an official statement made by Atletico Madrid announcing his transfer. “I'm very happy to have the opportunity to work under Diego Simeone,” who is also a fellow Argentinian.

A player of his caliber will put further pressure on Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. However, this is not De Paul's first time in La Liga, as he previously played for Valencia between 2014 and 2016 but struggled to make an impact and eventually left for Italy.

In Serie A, De Paul developed into a more complete player and became known for making key passes, dribbling with confidence, and taking set-pieces. In 177 appearances with Udinese, he scored 33 goals while also providing 33 assists for his teammates. It was rumored that Juventus was also interested in signing De Paul last season but that idea was eventually shot down when head coach Andrea Pirlo was sacked at the end of a disappointing campaign for the Old Lady.

Atletico really got a gem in a technical and highly skilled player like Rodrigo De Paul.