Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid emerge as potential contenders to sign Juventus veteran on free transfer
Atletico Madrid’s summer transfer window was considerably different compared to their closest rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Catalans invested more than €150 million this summer to buy seven players, while Los Blancos acquired Aurelien Tchouameni and Antonio Rudiger for a combined €100 million.
Diego Simeone’s side, still severely suffering financially, could only bring in Sergio Reguilon on loan, Axel Witsel on a free transfer, Samuel Lino for €6.4 million, and finally Nahuel Molina for €19.8 million.
While Witsel has settled in nicely, Lino has already departed on loan to Valencia. Reguilon, currently injured, is yet to make his debut. However, it’s Molina who has been concerning.
In light of the same, MARCA have reported Atleti’s possible interest in signing Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian is unlikely to extend his contract with Bianconeri and as quoted by the outlet, Diego Simeone likes the idea of signing him.
In fact, this rumour is far from surprising. The player was linked to Atletico in the past, and is tailor-made for Simeone’s system.
Cholo likes to use wide midfielders or wingbacks instead of out-and-out wingers, which fits perfectly in line with Cuadrado. While the veteran started out as a winger, he has been playing as a full-back or wing-back for Juventus over the last few seasons. Quite successfully so, too.
Available on a free transfer, this move makes sense for all parties. Cuadrado gets his final payday at a top European outfit and Atleti get to acquire a quality, albeit old, player on a Bosman move.
Further, it also helps Simeone add more competition to an underperforming position. Marcos Llorente and Molina have been far from convincing so far, and their inconsistency could push Simeone to pursue Cuadrado in the summer.
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.
