Atletico Madrid News
Arsenal stepping up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid attacker – English sources
With Manchester United’s interest in Joao Felix tapering off, Arsenal are now ready to step up their pursuit of the Atletico Madrid forward in the ongoing January transfer window.
This claim comes from Sam Dean of The Telegraph, who states that the Gunners will ramp up their efforts to sign Felix, although any move would depend on the size of the loan fee that Atletico demand for the 23-year-old.
Felix joined the Rojiblancos back in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €126 million. He has made over 100 appearances for the Spanish giants but has failed to live up to the expectations while his relationship with Diego Simeone has strained in recent months.
It has resulted in Felix seeking an exit this month, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, working hard to find a way out for the Portuguese international.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United had all been credited with serious interest in the former SL Benfica starlet. All three clubs are in need of a forward and are capable of meeting his lofty wages.
However, Chelsea are currently focused on their efforts to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez, while Manchester United have deemed the asking price for Felix too high.
After all, Atletico Madrid are seeking a loan fee of €15 million for the 23-year-old while also wanting the interested parties to cover his wages for the remainder of the season, which would come up to around €6 million.
It has become an impediment in Felix’s search for an exit, although Arsenal are now willing to step up their pursuit of the young Portuguese ace.
But, once again, any move will depend on the fee that Atletico Madrid will ask to loan out their forward. It is unlikely that Mikel Arteta’s side would be open to shelling out the €21 million package to sign the player for just six months. So, a compromise will be needed for the deal to go through.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
