Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid pushing for the signing of 28-year-old Argentine attacker
Paulo Dybala is set to become one of the most sought-after attackers in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Juventus playmaker is facing an uncertain future in Turin after the club had brought in Dusan Vlahovic in January. While the Bianconeri remain keen on extending the contract of the Argentine, the player has attracted widespread interest from top clubs across Europe.
A recent report from Fichajes has offered some useful insights on the future of Dybala. Juventus were expected to hold talks with the player and his entourage regarding a contract extension this week, but it appears it has been postponed.
The two parties have been trying to negotiate a new deal since December, but nothing has come to fruition. It has led to speculation regarding the attacker’s future in Turin, with Atletico Madrid among the clubs interested in his services.
The Spanish giants are aware that Dybala could leave Juventus for free at the end of the season. Los Colchoneros have already been in contact with the Argentine’s agents, exploring a possibility of a summer switch to Wanda Metropolitano.
During his time at Juventus, Dybala has had an exemplary record of 112 goals and 48 assists in just 281 competitive appearances. Highly regarded as one of the most gifted strikers in Argentina, the 28-year-old could be a bargain for any European giant next summer.
For Atletico, Dybala could turn out to be an excellent replacement for Joao Felix, who may leave Wanda Metropolitano amid interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
However, Atletico Madrid could face stiff competition in the pursuit of Dybala, who himself has attracted interest from several clubs, including reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan. Barcelona have been in contention to sign the Argentine international as well, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 28-year-old this coming summer.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder on the derby against Real Madrid: “Very difficult to beat them”
Following a 1-1 draw in their Champions League opener against Lazio, Atletico Madrid will shift all their attention to La Liga, as they brace themselves for the derby against Real Madrid this weekend.
Heading into this game, Atleti midfielder Marcos Llorente spoke about Real Madrid’s quality and Atletico Madrid’s chances of squeezing all three points from this iconic derby.
Llorente on Madrid derby
“The sensations are good. The team is very good, the other day we played a great game despite ending up drawing. I really think that the team did a great job that must be maintained for this match,” Llorente said in an interview with Diario AS.
When asked whether or not Real Madrid being tagged as favourites could aid Atleti, the midfielder said, “Honestly, it neither motivates me nor demotivates me. We simply have to do what we work on during the week, what the coach asks of us.”
Llorente stressed the importance of the game, adding, “It is a great rival we have in front of us, they are having a very good start to the season and that motivates me and everyone to try to play a good game.”
“Real Madrid is a great club, they have great players and it is very difficult to beat them. I think we have competed, we have also achieved several draws, but in the end, either you go out one hundred percent and do things very, very well or it is difficult to beat them,” he added.
A former member of the Real Madrid youth academy, Llorente joined Atletico Madrid in 2019. Since then, he has racked up over 150 competitive appearances for Los Colchoneros.
Llorente, though, said he feels no sense of vindication when he performs well against his former team.
“No. In the end, it’s been many years since I left there and I’m at Atlético. Perhaps in the first years, those types of feelings and sensations can arise, but today they no longer do,” he said.
Llorente on Vinicius, Koke & Bellingham
The Atletico Madrid star went on to talk about other aspects of the game, including the fact that his team had one less player every time they faced Real Madrid last season.
“I have zero worries. These are things that are not in our remit, that escape our hands. We play football, the referees referee and those who have to decide decide,” he said.
Llorente, in fact, said that the return of Koke could be a real boost for Atleti. “It is always good that Koke is with us, both on the field and in the day-to-day life of the game,” he said.
“Beyond the grass. The support he gives, the advice he gives us, his experience. it is always important to have him and it is great news that he is already training with us,” he added.
Talking about the absence of Vinicius Junior and the form of Jude Bellingham, Llorente said, “Well, you have to be careful with everyone. All Real Madrid players are very good and can make a difference at any moment of the game. Bellingham is having a great start and we have to take that into account and be very focused.”
Finally, Marcos Llorente put out a message for all the Atletico Madrid fans, claiming their support ahead of this crucial encounter this weekend.
“It will be a full house as always. We don’t have to tell them anything, they know the importance of this match for Atlético, we know that they never fail, they are always supporting us and we count on them,” he said.
