Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing Man United star as an alternative for Barcelona-bound defender
Atletico Madrid were among the clubs involved in the race to sign Inigo Martinez. However, it appears the Athletic Club defender is seemingly on the verge of joining FC Barcelona, who had promised to make a move for the defender at the end of the season.
This has forced Atleti to look elsewhere, as Diego Simeone looks to shore up his options in the defensive department.
According to Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, one of the options Atleti are looking at is Victor Lindelof. The Manchester United defender has been targeted as a potential alternative for Inigo Martinez.
Formerly of SL Benfica, Lindelof was once one of Man United’s most significant defensive investments. But in recent years, he has fallen behind the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
Lindelof’s receding role in the first team has been made evident by the fact that the Swede has featured in only nine Premier League matches this term, only five of which have been starts.
Atletico Madrid, though, are not deterred by Lindelof’s struggles and are eyeing a move for him in the coming summer. With the defender’s contract at Old Trafford expiring in 2024, the club are sensing a market opportunity to sign the player on a cut-price deal.
Following their poor performances in Europe, Atletico are indeed facing financial difficulties, which may cripple their powers in the market. Someone like Lindelof, therefore, could be an ideal cost-effective option for Los Rojiblancos.
However, Atletico Madrid have no shortage of alternatives in the market. In addition to Inigo Martinez and Victor Lindelof, the club have been linked with a move for Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City, among others. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how things transpire over the coming months.
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.
