Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing winter raid for Barcelona outcast to replace Joao Felix
With Joao Felix’s loan move to Chelsea almost complete, Atletico Madrid are scouring the market for a replacement for the Portuguese international.
The Rojiblancos had already bid goodbye to Matheus Cunha and with Felix’s impending exit, their numbers in the attacking unit stand to be depleted.
As a result, Diego Simeone & co. are looking at several possible options to reinforce their frontline. And, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, out-of-favour Barcelona striker Memphis Depay has emerged as one of the targets for Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old Dutchman has fallen down the pecking order at Spotify Camp Nou, making just four appearances so far this season across all competitions, scoring just one goal in the process.
Depay has not featured in La Liga since September, when he picked up an injury. While he has been fit and available for Barça’s last two league outings, Xavi has not opted to call upon the Netherlands international, clearly indicating that he is not favoured at the club.
Depay’s contract with the Catalans expires at the end of the season and this window offers them the final chance to rake in some cash from his sale. There has been interest from Manchester United in the past and now Atletico Madrid have also entered the race.
The Netherlands international can offer versatility and experience at the highest level, while being available on the cheap. It certainly makes him an appealing prospect for the Colchoneros.
However, the lack of European football on offer could prove to be a major impediment in their pursuit of Depay. Furthermore, the 28-year-old has seemingly appeared reluctant to leave Barcelona this month as he desires to depart as a free agent in the summer.
Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Depay’s former Barcelona teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has found things tough at Chelsea and could be a more realistic target for Simeone & co.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
