Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid close to signing Leicester City defender for 2023
Over the years, Diego Simeone has not only carved out a reputation for building resilient defensive lines but also for producing star defenders individually.
Several of Atletico Madrid’s renowned centre-backs were not big names until they arrived at the Civitas Metropolitano but mastered their trade during their tenure there.
The story of their latest target, Caglar Soyuncu, is similar. The Turkish International has not been in the best form with Leicester City in recent times, but that has not detracted Simeone from his pursuit.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are close to completing the signing of Soyuncu for 2023. The deal is not done or signed yet, but the negotiations are advanced and appears close to being sealed.
Both parties are working hard to close the deal, and an official announcement could be imminent. Aston Villa and AS Roma also were interested in the centre-back but are now out of the race.
Atletico Madrid were reportedly helped by a special clause on the player’s contract that favoured a move outside England in the winter transfer window.
Any English club negotiating with him for a move in January would have to shell out a fixed fee, one that clubs from other leagues can bypass.
In 14 games this season, Diego Simeone’s men have conceded 14 goals and have been far from their usual leak-proof selves. It is very concerning that they have seen only four clean sheets so far in the league, and Soyuncu’s signing could help fortify their goal further.
The Turkish International has barely played for the English side this season, making just one appearance so far in the 2022/23 Premier League. In his only game of the season, which came against Manchester City, he recorded six defensive actions.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
