Gaitán... the new Cerci?
The January transfer window has slammed shut and Gaitan is still an Atletico Madrid player in a situation bearing too much similarity to what happened with Alessio Cerci in his time at the club.
'Cholo' Simeone doesn't have first team plans for Nico Gaitán. The player knows it and the club were actively searching for a destination for the ex-Benfica man.
However, the window has closed and Gaitán remains in the same place - on the bench.
For some time now the Argentine has been looking toward the exit door, but so far no clubs have been forthcoming.
It is impossible not to look back and think that Atlético could be faced with a new 'Cerci case'. The Italian aslo had to remain at 'Los Colchoneros' for much longer than he hoped because a way out could not be found.
The difference - there could yet be an interested club and one who's transfer market is still open at that: Zenit.
The Russian window doesn't close until the middle of February and Zenit would be interested in signig Gaitán. His fate now rests in the hands of the Russian side to decide whether or not he will be the 'new Cerci'.