Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid receive boost in January pursuit of Barcelona forward
Following the exits of Matheus Cunha and Joao Felix in the ongoing transfer window, Atletico Madrid have been forced into the market for attacking reinforcements. And it has led them to the doors of rivals Barcelona, with Memphis Depay emerging as a target.
The 28-year-old forward has fallen out of favour at Spotify Camp Nou this season, making just four appearances across all competitions. And with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Barça could be open to an exit, as long as they are financially compensated.
Even if there was an agreement with the Blaugrana, the player’s desire to leave would have been an impediment in Atletico’s pursuit. However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Depay would be open to joining the Rojiblancos this month, handing them a major boost.
It had been previously reported that the Dutchman prefers to leave Barcelona as a free agent in the summer as it would see him benefit more in the financial sense.
Furthermore, the lack of European football on offer at Atletico Madrid could have been another issue in their pursuit of the Netherlands international.
However, Romano is now reporting that Depay would be open to making the switch to the Civitas Metropolitano from Spotify Camp Nou in the ongoing transfer window.
This development will provide a boost to Atleti’s chances of signing him. Negotiations with Barcelona are said to be continuing as the Colchoneros are stepping up their interest in signing Depay, who is also on the radars of Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle.
The ball seemingly is now firmly in Barça’s court and it is up to them to decide if they want to part ways with Depay this month or keep him until the end of the season.
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.
