Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid looking at three strikers as targets for the January transfer window
Joao Felix has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the transfer market, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal already holding talks with his agent over a potential move to the Premier League in January.
With Felix likely to leave Atleti next month, a report from AS suggests that Atletico Madrid have kickstarted their search for a proper replacement.
The club from the capital are primarily studying three options for the time being, with Enes Unal leading the list.
Formerly of Manchester City, Unal has enjoyed moderate success since joining Getafe in 2020. He has racked up 26 goals in 82 matches in all competitions, 16 of which came in La Liga this season.
However, luring Unal away from Getafe will not be easy as the club do not want a soap opera and want any exit deal to be finalised before January 15. It could prove to be tricky for Atleti given that they first have to secure an exit of Felix before making a move for Unal.
On top of that, the 25-year-old is protected by a €40 million release clause and Getafe are unlikely to offer any discounts.
Another option for Los Rojiblancos is Marcus Thuram. The French international is one of the top forwards in the Bundesliga and has racked up ten goals in the German top-flight this season. Known for his pace and power, Thuram could be an excellent replacement for Felix.
However, signing him in January could be tricky as Borussia Monchengladbach have no plans to offload their star striker. The player’s contract expires in the summer, but Atletico are not in a position to play the waiting game.
One more option for Diego Simeone’s team is Borja Iglesias. Atleti have been monitoring the situation of the Real Betis for quite some time now, and the player himself is aware of the interest.
Real Betis, though, might make the operation complex as they consider Iglesias one of the top forwards in La Liga. As such, they are holding out for a premium for the services of the Spaniard, who could be tempted to make the jump to Atletico Madrid.
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.
