Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid set to face defeat in pursuit of 19-year-old Argentine prodigy
With Koke showing signs of slowing down and there being question marks over the future of Rodrigo De Paul, Atletico Madrid will have to dip their toes into the market for reinforcements in midfield.
And according to reports in Portugal, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Argentine prospect Mateo Tanlongo, who plays for Rosario Central, was a player on Atletico Madrid’s radar.
But the same report quotes an update from Fabrizio Romano, stating that the 19-year-old is set to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP, meaning Atletico will miss out on the capture of Tanlongo.
Just 19 years of age, the pivot midfielder has been earning rave reviews for his performances back in Argentina. He has already made 36 senior appearances for Rosario Central and also has one cap for Argentina’s Under-20 national team.
A defensive midfielder primarily, Tanlongo has shown that he can play in a slightly more advanced role in the middle of the park as well.
Atletico Madrid had shown an interest in the teenage prospect, which is understandable as Koke’s form has been declining while Rodrigo De Paul’s future is uncertain. Geoffrey Kondogbia has also endured an inconsistent campaign thus far.
So, Los Rojiblancos could benefit from adding some fresh faces in their midfield unit to revitalise it.
With that in mind, Tanlongo could have been a handy addition, more so considering that he would arrive on a free transfer in January as his contract with Rosario Central expires on December 31.
But, it seems like Diego Simeone’s side will miss out on the 19-year-old, who is bound to join Sporting CP on a Bosman deal.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
