Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid in advanced talks with Valencia to loan out midfielder – Romano
As the deadline day of the winter transfer window nears, the market is beginning to get hotter and negotiations faster. Less than a week remains before the window closes, and it is not surprising that Atletico Madrid’s administration are burning the midnight lamp.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Valencia are in advanced negotiations with Atletico Madrid over an immediate transfer of Saul Niguez on loan. Both parties are in a hurry to get things done and the coming days will be crucial.
The 28-year-old has played a very minor role in the Rojiblancos’ dynamics since his return from his loan spell in Chelsea in 2021. With Diego Simeone not considering the Spaniard as a regular in his setup, a departure would do a world of good to the club’s economic situation.
Saul has started just six games for the Colchoneros in La Liga this season. He has just one assist in his 14 league appearances so far and is yet to find the back of the net. Further, he averages just 0.07 key passes per ninety minutes and has not created any big chances.
In his appearances for the club so far this season, the 28-year-old has primarily played as a left midfielder. However, Simeone has better options in the position and prefers to utilise the services of Yannick Carrasco down that flank.
Los Che wish to loan him until the summer of 2024 and are willing to shell out a significant part of his salary too.
Nacho Sanchis also reports that Valencia are willing to halt their pursuit of signing a winger to accommodate Saul’s loan, while also adding that it could be an 18-month temporary stint. The deal is not simple, but the meeting later today will be critical.
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.
