Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid lining up move for 29-year-old La Liga striker in January
According to MARCA, Atletico Madrid have identified Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias as a transfer target for the upcoming January window. However, the signing of the 29-year-old centre-forward will only be feasible if Joao Felix leaves the club.
Atletico are in for a revamp of their attacking unit. Matheus Cunha has already left the club to join Wolves on a loan deal with an option to buy. And Felix could also be on his way out next month, amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
It will open up a void in the attacking department at the Civitas Metropolitano and Atletico Madrid have narrowed in on Borja Iglesias as their desired target to fill that gap.
The 29-year-old has been in good form for Real Betis this season, having scored eight goals and set up two more in 13 La Liga matches. Capped one time by the Spanish national team, the striker was unfortunate to miss out on a call-up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is said to be an admirer of Iglesias, who is a pure No. 9. And the Rojiblancos have already made contact with the player’s entourage to gauge their interest in a possible move in January.
Iglesias is being sought to add competition to Alvaro Morata, who is now the only natural centre-forward at Simeone’s disposal following Cunha’s departure.
However, negotiating with Real Betis could be an issue. The striker is contracted with the Verdiblancos until 2026 and they might look to recoup most of the €28 million they invested in him in 2019.
Having established contact with Iglesias’ entourage, the next step for Atletico Madrid is to make a formal approach to Betis. However, for the move to materialise, they must find a way to offload Felix first.
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.
