Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid interested in €20 million Barcelona defensive target – report
Arnau Martinez is one of the hottest names in La Liga right now. The 19-year-old right-back has been monumental to Girona’s run in the Spanish top flight so far, and has established himself as a regular starter under Michel.
His bright displays have attracted interest from several clubs, and Mundo Deportivo report that Atletico Madrid are one of the parties interested. Diego Simeone’s side see him as an able asset for the right flank, especially given his cutting-edge in the final third.
The Rojiblancos, for the time being, are far from the driver’s seat in pursuit of Martinez. Barcelona are the party most strongly linked with the full-back and see the former La Masia trainee’s return as the perfect solution to their problems at right-back.
Atletico Madrid face one more hurdle in their pursuit of the Spaniard in addition to the Catalan interest – Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are owned by the same group as Girona and thus have a direct internal route to secure his services. And it said that Pep Guardiola might consider signing him even though he has the likes of Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo at his disposal.
Martinez has scored two goals and provided one assist for Michel’s side in 16 La Liga appearances so far this season. Further, he averages 1.2 key passes and nine defensive actions per game, and has created two big chances.
The 19-year-old’s contract with Girona runs until June 2025. Though two years remain on his deal, there is notably a €20 million release clause on his contract that can be triggered by any party interested.
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.
