Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid planning on investing in a centre-back next summer
Atletico Madrid were not the busiest in the transfer market this past summer, with the club signing only a few players including Nahuel Molina and Axel Witsel.
Financial constraints have played a key role in the lack of signings. However, according to MARCA, Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta has already started scouring the market for a new signing.
The Italian is particularly looking for a new centre-back, amid uncertainty over the future of some of the star players in the team. Although Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez are considered indispensable members of the first team, their injury-prone nature has forced the club to keep alternatives at hand.
However, to that end, Felipe is likely playing his last season at the club, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. Mario Hermoso, on the other hand, has been subjected to a move away from Wanda Metropolitano in the recent past and there are no guarantees over his future.
It has compelled Andrea Berta to look for newer options in the market. The Atleti sporting director had considered a move for Benoit Badiashile in the summer, but the move did not materialise due to Monaco’s exorbitant demands.
Berta, though, is known for his ability to find cost-effective options in the market. Even in the recent past, the Italian has roped in players such as Reinildo Mandava and Axel Witlsel, both of who have even proven to be valuable options at the heart of the backline for Diego Simeone.
With that in mind, Atletico Madrid have started their search for a new centre-back. They are ideally looking for a young alternative, who can not only add more depth to the defence but also replace Felipe in the coming future.
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.
