Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘one step away’ from signing Barcelona attacker
According to David G Medina of MARCA, Atletico Madrid are ‘one step away’ from clinching the signing of Barcelona star Memphis Depay as a replacement for Joao Felix.
The 28-year-old has been identified as the primary target by the Rojiblancos to bolster their frontline following the departures of Felix and Matheus Cunha.
Communication channels with Barça have been open this week, with reports suggesting that the Blaugrana would be open to a sale as long as they receive some monetary compensation in exchange.
Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano reported earlier today that Depay would be open to joining Atletico Madrid.
And now, the aforementioned report from MARCA states that negotiations are moving forward at a rapid pace, and the deal could be closed in the next few days.
The Colchoneros were interested in Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, but Felix’s loan exit meant that they could not invest heavily in the permanent signing of a new forward. Hence, they decided to press forward in search of a solution for the remainder of the season.
Thus, a move for Depay gained weight within the Atletico Madrid offices as the forward would be available for a move this month due to several factors.
The Dutchman is no longer counted as a regular at Camp Nou and given his contract expires in the summer, the Catalans are open to cashing on him to generate some revenue and cut down on their wage bill.
Two other factors that convinced Atleti to move for Depay are the striker’s know-how of La Liga football, having been at Barça for 18 months, and the relationship between the two clubs.
Despite the tensions between Barça and Atletico due to Antoine Griezmann’s transfer earlier this season, it is said that the two teams share a good relationship.
So, as things stand, negotiations over a deal for Depay are seemingly moving forward at a fast pace and he could soon be an Atletico Madrid player.
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.
