Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid star rejected Barcelona move in swap deal involving Griezmann on deadline day
Despite Diego Simeone’s constant denial, it’s pretty much evident that Atletico Madrid have no interest in paying the €40 million fee for the permanent purchase of Antonio Griezmann.
To get out of the situation, the Los Colchoneros devised several plans in the summer but Barcelona have not budged even a single bit.
Now, as per a recent revelation made by journalist Toni Juanmarti on the Siempre Positivo podcast, Atletico Madrid started talks with Barcelona on the deadline day where the proposal was put forward over a potential exchange between Alvaro Morata and Antoine Greizmann.
As it turns out, it was not Barcelona but the Spanish striker who rejected the possibility of playing for the Blaugrana.
It could have been a good deal for the Blaugrana as they would have acquired a decent cover for Robert Lewandowski as they had sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea. Memphis Depay did decide to stay put but it is evident that the Dutchman has no place in Xavi’s plans.
At Atletico, however, the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Chelsea forward is getting regular minutes, although that is mostly down to the fact that the team from the Spanish capital are forced to use Griezmann after the 60-minute mark.
Interestingly enough, the situation could have been different if Barcelona had accepted Atletico’s second option in the summer.
Atletico Madrid offered Barcelona €20 million for Griezmann this summer but received a plain no in response.
As of today, the stipulation that Atletico are meant to follow is pretty much the same. If the Frenchman plays 50% of the games he is available in, they have to pay Barcelona €40 million as agreed.
But he is only coming on after the 60-minute mark, playing a total of 193 minutes across UEFA Champions League and La Liga this term as Atleti look to get out of the €40 million purchase obligation.
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.
