Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid offer stiff competition to Barcelona in pursuit of Spanish international
The race for Inigo Martinez’s signature has heated up in recent weeks, with Atletico Madrid entering the fray to compete with Barcelona for the defender’s services. Martinez’s contract with Athletic Club is set to expire at the end of the season, and both clubs are looking to sign the experienced centre-back on a free transfer.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is keen to strengthen his defensive options after the departure of Felipe and the uncertain futures of some of his other defensive stars. Jose Maria Gimenez, for one, has been linked with a move to Inter Milan.
Martinez, who has been a consistent performer in La Liga for many years, would provide valuable experience and depth to Atletico’s backline.
According to SPORT, Martinez’s wife has been looking for apartments in Barcelona, with the player even completing his medical in the city a few weeks ago.
But Atletico Madrid are not giving up on their pursuit of the player. The club are said to be waiting in the wings and ready to pounce on any opportunity that arises.
Martinez is known for his ability to read the game well, and his physicality and aerial prowess make him a dominant presence. Atletico Madrid, who are known for their strong defence, could certainly benefit from Martinez’s skills and experience.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s poor financial condition may work in the favour of Atleti, as the Catalans must make space in their salary budget before they can sign Martinez.
With that in mind, it will be interesting to see whether or not Atletico Madrid can really push forward to hijack the deal in the coming weeks.
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.
