Atletico Madrid News
Arsenal, Manchester United hold talks with Atletico Madrid attacker’s agent – Romano
With little under a week remaining under the January transfer window opens, Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a busy time ahead.
The Spanish giants could undergo significant changes in the squad, especially following their elimination from European competitions. The club are short on funds and must offload multiple star players, including Joao Felix.
The former SL Benfica starlet was one of the major under-performers for Diego Simeone’s team this season. But thanks to his exuberance at the FIFA World Cup, he has once again become a wanted prospect in the market.
Various Premier League clubs have already explored the idea of signing Felix in the upcoming January transfer window. And according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and Manchester United have recently made the first step by holding talks with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
Both English giants have contacted Felix’s agent, asking about the possibility of a January move to the Premier League. There will be a fresh round of talks once again this week to determine the future of the Portuguese international, who is unhappy with his life at Atleti.
Felix played a starring role for Portugal in the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup. He was involved in three goals, helping the European giants reach the quarter-final stage. Felix showed good form for Atleti just before the World Cup as well, notably scoring a brace against Cadiz.
Quite naturally, luring the attacker away from Atletico will not be a walk in the park for either Manchester United or Arsenal. Los Colchoneros had spent a fortune on the player a few years ago and will be determined to recoup the entire amount, if not make a profit on it.
Not to mention, Arsenal and Manchester United may face stiff competition from Chelsea, who are hoping to land the Portuguese international on a loan deal, with an option or an obligation to buy.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
