Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ready to offload Arsenal, Man United target on loan for €9 million fee
Joao Felix has become one of the sought-after players in the transfer market, thanks to a solid World Cup campaign.
Although the former SL Benfica starlet did not have the best of starts to the domestic campaign at Atletico Madrid, Felix was one of Portugal’s better performers during the World Cup, even though the European giants fell to a surprise defeat to Morocco in the quarterfinals.
Felix’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with many clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Manchester United, already considering the prospect of signing him in the upcoming January transfer window.
Atletico Madrid are a club desperately in need of generating fresh revenue, especially after their shock elimination from European competitions this term. As such, the sale of Felix in January was never out of question, should interested parties come up with Atleti’s valuation.
But according to Duncan Castles, Atletico Madrid are open to sanctioning a loan deal for Felix as well. This could be quite significant as many of the Premier League clubs could prefer signing the Portuguese international on loan before they deduce whether or not the player is a good fit for English football.
However, there is a catch. It appears Atletico Madrid are set to demand €9 million (£8 million) as loan fee, which is half the €18 million amortisation cost for the player.
Along with that, Los Rojiblancos also want the 23-year-old’s entire salary to be paid in full. Furthermore, the loan period would only be until the end of the season, with no added purchase option embedded in the deal.
This type of deal should help Atletico Madrid free up some salary space during the second half of the campaign while offering them a slight economic boost. It could prove to be useful in helping them fund move for new targets in the January transfer window.
However, whether or not any interested parties are willing to meet Atleti’s demands for Felix’s loan deal remains to be seen.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
