Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid in negotiations to extend €40 million-rated winger’s contract
People often forget that Yannick Carrasco initially signed for Atletico Madrid in 2015. His first stint at the club ended abruptly when left for China in 2018.
Yet, the Belgian returned to the club on loan in 2020 for an unknown fee and has been a vital part of Diego Simeone’s plans ever since. In fact, he has provided 13 goals and 18 assists since his return to the club.
According to reports from MARCA, Los Rojiblancos have been working with Carrasco’s agent for months now to extend his contract at the club. It is also proposed that the winger’s release clause be hiked from the existing value of €60 million.
While an agreement is not imminent, a renewal would satisfy both parties. Diego Simeone considers the player untouchable and it remains to be seen if the club and Carrasco can agree on the economics.
Last season, the 28-year-old made 34 league appearances for Atletico Madrid in which he scored six goals and provided as many assists.
He was, however, linked to an exit from the club and received interest from the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs liked his profile and attempted to lure him away from Madrid, but Carrasco’s priority has been to renew.
If he stays next season, he will face competition from Thomas Lemar and possibly Samuel Lino for a place on the winger. Nevertheless, competition has always been a factor that has pushed the Belgian to greater heights.
Negotiations will continue in the coming days and one could expect a long wait before a final agreement is reached between the parties.
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.
