Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid superstar turned down a summer approach from Manchester United
According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester United had approached Antoine Griezmann during the summer transfer window. But the player declined to entertain the offer and prioritised a permanent stay at Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United had approached Griezmann when their footballing director John Murtough and recruitment consultant Tom Keane flew to Madrid to facilitate the transfer of Casemiro.
At that time, Griezmann was at Atleti on a two-year loan deal from Barcelona that was set to expire in 2024, with Atletico Madrid having a mandatory purchase clause worth €40 million if the Frenchman had played 45 minutes or more in 50% of the matches he was available for.
As the valuation was too high for Los Colchoneros, Diego Simeone was forced to utilise the services of the 2018 World Cup winner only after the 60th minute of matches. This led to an awkward period for Griezmann, even though he was highly valued by the coach.
Manchester United considered this a market opportunity and had asked Griezmann whether or not he was exploring other options. But the attacker responded firmly and doubled down on his desire to make the move to Atleti permanent.
The former Real Sociedad starlet succeded when Atletico Madrid reached an agreement with Barcelona in October, with the Catalans slashing the purchase option fee to half.
Even after the deal, however, the offers have not stopped for Griezmann, especially after an excellent World Cup campaign that saw him lead France into the final of the coveted competition for a second time in a row.
Griezmann, though, feels happy with his life at the Civitas Metropolitano. He has become a crucial attacking outlet for the club this season, racking up seven goals and nine assists in all competitions. He may only consider an exit if Diego Simeone leaves the club.
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.
