Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid plotting €23 million bid to sign Brazilian midfielder from Premier League club
Atletico Madrid’s start to the new season has been underwhelming. The Spanish side began their campaign with a dominant win over Getafe but immediately fell prey to Villarreal in the next matchday. Their third game too featured a win over Valencia that was far from convincing.
The squad clearly still has a few holes that remain to be filled. Heading into the final stretch of the transfer window, the attention turns to these voids.
According to reports from Telegraph, Atletico Madrid are trying to sign Douglas Luiz and are preparing an opening bid of £20 million (€23 million). However, Aston Villa are expected to reject the offer as they value the player at a much higher price.
The Brazilian would add an element of depth to Atletico’s defensive midfield which currently has limited options in Axel Witsel and Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 34 league appearances for the Premier League club, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He also averaged just under 10 defensive actions per game.
Moreover, Luiz has nine caps for his national team – where he competes for a place alongside the likes of Casemiro, Fabinho and Fred. This is a testament to his quality as a defensive midfielder.
This season, however, Luiz has struggled to get into the starting lineup under Steven Gerrard. Moreover, Villa’s poor start to the season could open the doors for his potential exit.
Los Rojiblancos will have to work hard to seal the deal in the coming hours. With the current €23 million bid likely to be deemed insufficient, it remains to be seen if the club prepare a follow-up offer.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
