Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder has rejected contract extension offered to him by the club
Thomas Lemar’s journey at Atletico Madrid has been far from consistent since his arrival from AS Monaco in 2018. The player had an unconvincing first season under Diego Simeone and was considered a failed transfer given his high price tag.
Yet, over the past two years, Lemar made a good comeback for Los Rojiblancos. He might not have goals to show for his improvement, but there has been an unbelievable transformation in his understanding of the system.
According to reports from David G Medina of MARCA, Atletico Madrid have offered the Frenchman a contract extension. However, he is said to have rejected the proposal.
Lemar’s contract with the club is set to expire in June 2023. With just over a year left on his deal, it is now the ideal time for Atleti to sell him if he does not intend to renew.
Since his arrival four seasons ago, the French international played close to 150 games, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists. His relative lack of minutes could be the main reason pushing the player towards an exit. However, the economic aspect of Atletico’s offer is unknown and a more convincing effort could seal the his renewal.
If the situation continues, Los Rojiblancos will listen to offers for the player this month. Arsenal have been heavily interested in the player in the past, and could look to swoop him this summer as they look to strengthen their squad.
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.
