Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid make fresh €9 million loan-to-buy approach for French international
Atletico Madrid are going through some changes in this ongoing January transfer window. Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha were allowed to leave the club while veteran defender Felipe is expected to follow suit.
But the Spanish giants have made some moves in the market. They have roped in Memphis Depay from Barcelona on a permanent deal.
Atletico Madrid are looking to further strengthen their squad, having recently targeted Jonathan Clauss. According to a report from L’Equipe, they have even come up with a fresh offer for the French international.
Atleti have indeed come up with an offer to sign Clauss on loan with a purchase option worth €9 million. They want to sign the defender as part of their plans to reinforce the right flank, as Diego Simeone looks to use Marcos Llorente higher up the pitch.
Currently plying his trade for Marseille, Clauss is considered one of the finest full-backs in Ligue 1. He made his name at RC Lens, racking up 18 assists in 74 competitive matches before joining Marseille in the summer.
Clauss has continued his solid performances at Marseille, registering seven assists in 16 league matches. He has even won six caps for the French national team and appears to have attracted widespread interest from top clubs across Europe, including Atletico.
However, luring Clauss from Marseille could be a challenging task for Atleti. The report from L’Equipe suggests that the Rojiblancos’ offer will likely be rejected by the French outfit because the club do not want to get rid of the player so soon after signing him.
Clauss also has a contract until 2025, meaning Marseille have the leverage to demand a higher fee. But as we enter the final phase of the transfer market, it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming days.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
