Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing summer move for Chelsea left-back – report
Reinildo Mandava was a largely unknown figure in European football when he signed for Atletico Madrid in February. However, he has quickly taken a starting spot in defence in Diego Simeone’s side, and has become a fan-favourite.
The manager has found a way to accommodate both him and Renan Lodi in recent months. His decision to play the Brazilian as a left wing-back has reaped rewards, and both players are now indispensable to Los Rojiblancos‘ setup.
Atletico Madrid are still looking for a reinforcement at left-back now. According to reports from Rodrigo Faez of ESPN, the Spanish side eye Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso as a transfer target.
The left-back has another year on his contract and is open to returning to a Barcelona move. The negotiations with Chelsea, however, is expected to be the big hurdle in the process.
The player is not new to Spanish football, having played for Real Madrid Castilla until 2009. In 2010, he made the move to Bolton in England. After a few loan spell, he eventually moved to Chelsea in 2016/17.
Alonso’s importance in the team has seen a fall since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, prompting him to look for other options. Ben Chilwell is the first choice for the German manager, and understandably so. However, an ACL injury to him paved the path for Alonso to return to the XI.
Chelsea have been banned from offering new contracts to players and transfer activities following Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning by the UK Government. Given that Alonso only has a year left on his contract, selling him could be a wise decision.
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.
