Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid rivalled by Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of Brazilian international
With the transfer deadline not far away, it seems like Atletico Madrid are still not quite done with their business in the summer window.
According to Sky Sports, Los Rojiblancos are among a host of clubs interested in securing the services of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian holding midfielder has emerged as a transfer target for Diego Simeone’s side who are looking to add more quality and strength to their squad as they hope to challenge their neighbours Real Madrid for the La Liga title.
Even though Atletico Madrid have signed Axel Witsel this summer, the Belgian is no longer the quality player he used to be a few years ago at Borussia Dortmund. So, signing someone of Luiz’s age and proven pedigree can help the Colchoneros as they would be adding more steel and bite in the midfield.
However, Luiz looks likely to spark a deadline day scramble as some heavy-hitters in the Premier League are also interested in signing the 24-year-old enforcer from Villa.
Indeed, as per the report from Sky Sports, Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the hunt for the signing of the Brazilian international.
The Gunners are forced into the market after injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, while Chelsea are looking for a backup for N’Golo Kante, who is also out with an injury. It has led them to the Aston Villa midfielder, given his experience in the Premier League.
Liverpool, too, have been mentioned as suitors. However, the Reds are unlikely to pursue Luiz as they are close to signing his compatriot, Arthur Melo, from Juventus.
Even if Liverpool are no longer in contention, clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal would be better equipped to hand Luiz a much more lucrative contract than Atletico Madrid. So, the Rojiblancos will have a tough fight on their hands if they wish to sign the midfielder before the summer window slams shut.
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.
