"?Sassuolo right-back Sime Vrsaljko has revealed that he would "?prefer a move to Atletico Madrid over Napoli, and is optimistic that a deal can be completed this summer.
The 24-year-old told Sportske Novosti in his native Croatia, "Right from the first moment that this possibility started to take shape, I told the Sassuolo management that Atletico Madrid was the only club I wanted to join.
"I also told them I don't want to go to Napoli even though a transfer was all agreed."
He added: "I can say, at least for what I know, that Atletico and Sassuolo should close the deal," he said. "I am optimistic."
The Spanish media has regularly reported that Diego Simeone is interested in the Croatian defender, who he hopes will act as suitable competition for current first-choice right-back Juanfran, and it is understood that Atletico are willing to pay €15m for the international.
The Spanish giants have been very busy in the transfer window thus far, and have just recently confirmed the signing of Nicolas Gaitan from Benfica.
interest from other Serie A sides has also been widely reported, with both Napoli and Juventus being linked with the former Dinamo Zagreb and Genoa player. Sassuolo are thought to be holding out for an offer in the region of €18m.
Vrsaljko is currently with the Croatian national team for the European Championships in France, where he is currently the understudy of experienced captain Darijo Srna, but has yet to feature in any of his country's games so far.
Vrsaljko has made 54 appearances for Sassuolo since his move from Genoa in 2014, and helped them finish in an impressive sixth place this year, guaranteeing Europa League football next season.