Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing Liverpool forward as a replacement for Joao Felix – report
Atletico Madrid loaned out Joao Felix to Chelsea during the January transfer window. Even though the Portuguese international has just played a handful of games for the Premier League, they are interested in signing him permanently at the end of the season.
The Blues have the financial might to meet Atletico Madrid’s valuation of the 23-year-old forward and should they do make a play to sign Felix permanently, Los Rojiblancos have already lined up a possible replacement for their loanee.
Indeed, according to the Mirror (h/t AS). Atletico Madrid have their sights set on Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino as a potential candidate to replace Felix and bolster their frontline in the summer transfer window.
Firmino has been with Liverpool since 2015 when he arrived from TSG Hoffenheim. The Brazilian international flourished at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp and played a key role in the success that they have achieved under the German tactician.
However, in recent times, Firmino’s importance at Anfield has been on the wane, and his contract is also set to expire at the end of the season.
Despite there being suggestions and reports that a new deal could be signed imminently, an agreement is yet to be reached, leading to speculations over his future at the club.
And, Atletico Madrid are understood to be attentive to the situation and have already started contacts with the agents of the Brazilian forward. But, they are set to face competition from the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus in pursuit of Firmino.
A decision on his future is unlikely to be made right away either, so Atletico Madrid might have to wait for a while to learn whether Firmino decides to renew with Liverpool or opts to leave as a free agent.
Along with the Brazilian, Los Colchoneros are also looking at another soon-to-be free agent forward in Marcus Thuram.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
