Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid reject Manchester United’s staggering €130 million offer for 22-year-old
Joao Felix was instrumental in Atletico Madrid’s win over Getafe in their La Liga opener earlier this week. The Portuguese international recorded three assists at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez and was arguably the best player on the field.
After three underwhelming years in Spain, the youngster seems ready to step up his performance and gather consistency this season. It is the least he can do to repay the 36 months that the club nurtured him, protecting him from the harsh media.
According to reports from AS, Manchester United were interested in signing Felix this summer and went on the offensive with a staggering €130 million offer.
While Los Rojiblancos could accept the deal and book a profit on the player, they unsurprisingly chose to decline and maintain faith in him.
Further, Diego Simeone’s side have referred to the €350 million release clause on Felix’s contract to detract the Premier League side from their pursuit.
The manager considers the Portuguese international to be one of the most important players in the team and the centre-piece of their new project.
The 22-year-old was part of the Atletico team that faced United in preseason, and the Champions League last season, scoring in both games. Those performances ignited interest in Manchester’s offices, it was also a statement to Atletico that the player is set to shine.
Last season, the youngster scored eight goals and provided four assists in 24 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos. In the UEFA Champions League, however, he managed just two goal contributions in eight games.
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.
