Atlanta United want Alan Franco - Among most valuable Argentine center-backs

After the failed transfer of center-back Lautaro Giannetti, Atlanta United appear to have zeroed in on their next candidate. On Sunday, TyC Sports reported that the Five Stripes want to sign Independiente center-back Alan Franco.

The outlet also stressed that Independiente head coach Julio César Falcioni is reluctant to let the 24-year-old defender leave the club. That has not stopped Atlanta from making the first offer, however. TyC reporter Gastón Edul tweeted on Sunday that Atlanta United have already made a first offer for the defender.

According to Edul, the Five Stripes have offered $2.8 million for 50% of the player's rights, plus future incentives. Edul also wrote that there have already been two meetings between officials of both clubs. 

Franco a record transfer? - Among the 20 most valuable Argentine center-backs

A transfer in the region of $2.8 million would make Franco the most expensive center-back signing in Atlanta's history, ahead of Leandro González Pirez. Furthermore, with a current market value of $4.4 million, Franco currently ranks in the top 20 of the most valuable Argentine center-backs.