Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid label attacking duo ‘untouchable’ amidst exit rumours
Atletico Madrid have made it clear that the likes of Joao Felix and Angel Correa are simply untouchable amidst the constant exit rumours, especially regarding the former.
Spanish news outlet MARCA says the club has full confidence in the attacking duo as they remain a key part of the club’s budding project. On top of that, despite struggling to achieve full potential this season, the two are also dearly loved by the faithful.
MARCA describes Felix as one of the greatest bets in the history of the club. After all, the club paid as much as €126 million for the youngster when he switched alliance from Benfica to Madrid.
Three seasons on, and although he has scored 30 goals up until now, he is yet to fulfil the reputation he himself built when playing for Benfica. And as one can suspect, rumours of potential exit have been doing rounds since January.
It’s not too long ago that Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted his team did try to rope in the Portugal forward. The deal was proposed back when Antoine Griezmann made his much-awaited return to Atletico in August 2021.
They still remain interested, though. Reports suggest that Barcelona Laporta is a huge fan of the player and will do his best to bring him in.
Atletico’s reluctance, however, forced Barcelona to settle for a simple loan deal instead.
Injury halting his progress
While there is absolutely no denying the talent Felix possesses, the injury issues he has faced, especially in the ongoing season are doing no good for everyone involved. This season alone, he has missed matches due to an ankle fracture, a muscle injury and COVID-19.
Recently, he confirmed that he will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season through a hamstring injury that he picked during a 2-1 win over Espanyol.
One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure
It’s not to say that Felix’s injury is a blessing in disguise, but this certainly opens the door for Angel Correa to get a constant run-in in the starting XI.
The versatile forward, who has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season, is without a goal contribution in each of his last seven games.
Despite this, however, he has a place in Atletico’s plan for the future, especially since the fact that Luis Suarez will depart at the end of the campaign.
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.
