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.
Atletico Madrid News
Joao Felix expresses desire to continue at Chelsea: “Loved these four-five months”
Chelsea have endured a tumultuous season in 2022/23. Barring their relatively deep run in the UEFA Champions League that ended in a defeat to Real Madrid at the quarter-final stages, the London-based side have had little to hold onto.
Frank Lampard’s men sit in 12th place on the Premier League table with two games to go. Considering that their final games of the season are against teams in the top four, their situation is grave and they are far from European football.
With a dysfunctional team around him and a stand-in manager on the sidelines, Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix has done relatively well since his loan move.
The 23-year-old made the move to London from Madrid in January 2023 with the hope of rediscovering his form in a new system and league.
He has participated in 14 Premier League games since then and has found the back of the net three times. Further, he averages 0.5 key passes per game and has created one big chance.
His spell at Chelsea ends in June, and Felix will be forced to return to the Civitas Metrolpolitano upon its conclusion.
Earlier this week, the Portuguese international was asked about his future and where he saw himself playing next season. As revealed by The Secret Scout, he said:
“I don’t know yet on my future, but I loved these four-five months. I would really like to be here.”
Felix seemingly has three options on his table, two of which would see him continue in England.
For starters, he could continue to don the Chelsea jersey with a simple extension of his loan deal and stay for the team’s new season with a new manager. Else, a move to another top club in the Premier League is also not ruled out.
The third option, which is less likely, is a direct return to Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side offer Felix Champions League football but given how things were before his exit, it is unlikely that the Portuguese international would prefer to return to Atleti again.
