Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing veteran Barcelona star to reinforce a key position
With Atletico Madrid in the market for a new left-back heading into the summer transfer window, Mundo Deportivo’s Ferran Martinez is reporting that the Colchoneros are keeping tabs on the situation of Barcelona defender Jordi Alba.
Atletico Madrid will likely be without Reinildo Mandava for the start of the next season as he recovers from his ACL injury while Sergio Reguilon’s loan deal is unlikely to be made into a permanent transfer.
With Yannick Carrasco also staring at an uncertain future, Diego Simeone & co. will need a new player to occupy the left-back/left-wing-back role next season.
Recent reports had suggested that the Rojiblancos had been offered a chance to sign Borussia Dortmund star Raphael Guerreiro for free in the summer.
Now, it is being claimed that Atletico Madrid are also very attentive to the situation of Jordi Alba at Barcelona.
The newly-crowned La Liga champions are looking to offload the 34-year-old Spaniard as his wages are a burden for them while his role has also diminished this season following the emergence of Alejandro Balde.
Alba has shown that he can still offer a lot of value when given minutes, and he remains keen on continuing at Spotify Camp Nou. But with Barça looking to reduce their salary mass, his continuity is far from guaranteed, although he could stay if he agrees to a pay cut.
Either ways, Atletico Madrid are keeping a close watch on the situation surrounding Alba as they could look to move for him if it becomes clear that he will leave Barcelona.
Given that the Blaugrana are interested in signing Carrasco from Atleti, it will be interesting to see if the veteran left-back could enter the operation or if the Rojiblancos insist on receiving full payment for the Belgian international.
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.
