Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid looking at 22-year-old Portuguese forward as Depay alternative – report
Atletico Madrid are leaving no stone unturned to sign a high-level replacement for Joao Felix in the ongoing winter transfer market. Though they are in desperate need of a forward, the club remain strong in their position that they will not go overboard.
Barcelona’s Memphis Depay is seen as the best option available at the Rojiblancos’ disposal, but the chances of the deal going through reduce with each passing day.
According to reports from Toni Juanmarti, Atletico Madrid assure that they will not pay a dime for the Dutchman’s signing from Barcelona. Further, if the Catalans continue to place the economic hurdle, they will go after Vitinha from S.C. Braga whom they see as a suitable alternative on loan.
Atletico’s view of not paying for Depay is reasonable in that the player will be a free agent in June. Given his exclusion from Xavi Hernandez’s plans and the mere six months on his deal, the Madrid-based side feel they should be able to sign him for nothing.
However, one cannot fault the Blaugranas’ standpoint either. Since Depay is contractually bound as a Barcelona player, the club have every right to demand a transfer fee for their asset, with the Catalans seeking €7 million or Yannick Carrasco in exchange.
The spotlight now, thus, seems to be shifting onto Vitinha. The 22-year-old Braga centre-forward has been in good nick this term. In 16 Primeira Liga games so far this season, he has been explosive with six goals and three assists in addition to three big chances created.
His contract in Portugal runs until the summer of 2027 and could pose a big hurdle in his acquisition if they wish for a permanent transfer. The combination of two factors will likely inflate his value, even on loan, and it remains to be seen if the Colchoneros are willing to push that far.
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.
