Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid and Juventus interested in Argentine right-back, Udinese ask €30m
Atletico Madrid are infamous for their relentless defensive line, often frustrating the opponents with a low block. The same happened when Diego Simeone’s side faced off Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this week.
One would expect Los Rojiblancos to have numerous backups in defence given their style of play. However, that is not the case at right-back.
While Mario Hermoso, Reinildo, and Renan Lodi compete for one spot at left-back, Sime Vrsaljko has no direct backup on the other end of defence. Given that the Croatian is already 30, the club are actively eyeing reinforcements to provide cover to his position.
According to reports from Daniele Longo of Calcio Mercato, the Madrid-based side are eyeing Nahuel Molina of Udinese as a possible signing.
The Argentine has started 23 Serie A games for his side this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist. He averages one key pass per game and has created four big chances so far in the league alone.
Defensively, he produces one tackle, a clearance, 0.7 interceptions, and 2.5 duels won per 90 minutes.
Juventus too are interested in the 24-year-old’s signature. Udinese demand a fee of €30 million for their defender, a generous ask in today’s inflated market.
It remains to be seen if Molina prefers a move within Italy or opts for a move to Spain. The Bianconeri are said to be leading the race for the right-back, but an improved offer from Atletico Madrid could see the tables turn.
Stats via Transfermarkt
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.
