Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid president responds to Rodrigo de Paul’s exit rumours
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has affirmed that the team is happy with Rodrigo de Paul while admitting that he is not aware of the interest his player has generated in recent times.
De Paul, 28, has seen some torrid times of late, especially after a photo of him at a music event in Miami surfaced. The image was controversial because the player had taken time off for personal reasons, as his father was ill.
The Argentina international even returned late to club duties and, as a result, was not called up for the league game against Sevilla. So as his behaviour starts to dwindle his Atletico career, reports regarding Milan and Juventus’ interest have surfaced.
While addressing the same, however, Cerezo said that the team is happy with the 28-year-old’s services and there are absolutely no problems between the parties involved.
“Rodrigo de Paul for sale? We don’t know anything about it. De Paul is a good player, he’s from Atlético de Madrid, we’re happy with him”, told Radio Del Plata (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
“We don’t have any problems, there can’t even be any doubts,” he added.
It must be remembered that it is not the first time Cerezo has defended de Paul. Only a few days back, the club president addressed the question as to why the Argentine was not playing much for the team.
“Nobody has argued that this is not one of the figures of the Argentine national team even though he has been a few weeks without playing. I don’t know why he hasn’t played. We have a coach who basically defines and decides who has to play,” Cerezo had said.
“The other day I didn’t see De Paul, but I wasn’t surprised. There are many games and he rotates. The manager is the one who takes this solution.”
Interestingly enough, despite the off-field issues, de Paul has returned to the starting roles, having appeared in the playing XI in each of his team’s last two matches.
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.
