Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona in ‘direct contact’ to resolve Griezmann issue – Romano
Atletico Madrid have been indulged in a battle with FC Barcelona over the loan contract of Antoine Griezmann, especially after the club from the capital opted not to play the striker for more than 30 minutes in matches this season.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, it appears Atleti and Barcelona are prepared to let bygones be bygones and seek a solution over the exact terms of the deal.
The current clause in loan agreement for Griezmann states that Atletico Madrid are obliged to pay €40 million at the end of the season if the attacker plays more than 50 percent of the matches he is available for.
But a match is only being counted if the player features in more than 45 minutes. Atleti have been exploiting this loophole with impunity, thus forcing Barcelona to seek legal measures.
However, knowing Atletico Madrid are not precisely breaking any law by restricting the attacker’s game-time, it appears Barcelona are ready to come to a settlement and lower the final terms of the deal that currently stands at around €40 million.
The Catalans are aware of the fact that they may not be able to offload Griezmann next summer if Los Colchoneros continue to stunt the game-time of the player. In addition, the Frenchman’s exorbitant wage packet could severely impact Barça’s financial structure.
Therefore, the Blaugrana are now seeking a solution and are in direct contact with their rivals to resolve the matter. It will come as a major boost for Atletico Madrid, who had even started Griezmann in the recent Madrid derby against their cross-town rivals.
The Frenchman’s presence did not make much of a difference, though, as Real Madrid eventually won the game 2-1, thanks to goals from Rodrygo and Federico Valverde.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
