Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid targeting summer swoop for French forward on Bayern Munich’s radar
Marcus Thuram was one of the first names on the Atletico Madrid shortlist when they offloaded Joao Felix during the start of the January transfer window.
Trusting that Borussia Monchengladbach will settle for a meagre fee for a striker whose contract expires at the end of the season, Atletico made a move to sign the player. But they ultimately had to back out as the Bundesliga giants held out for a fee of €15 million.
However, as reported by MARCA, Atletico Madrid have not lost sight of Thuram just yet. They are expected to go after him once again in the summer, when the attacker would become a free agent.
The 25-year-old, after all, has emerged as one of the top performers in the Bundesliga this season. Despite struggling with injuries for the majority of the last 18 months, the Frenchman has racked up 13 goals and four assists in all competitions this term.
Thuram’s contributions did not go unnoticed as he was also a part of the French side that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. He even played a crucial role in helping Les Bleus stage a late comeback against the Argentines, though they eventually lost on penalties.
Thuram’s goalscoring traits, coupled with his pace and power have made him an appealing target for Atletico Madrid. But despite his status as a free agent this summer, the operation will not be as easy.
This is because Atleti must adhere to the economic regulations put forth by La Liga, which could mean that they must offload some of their existing stars including Felix, Angel Correa or Alvaro Morata if they are to make the space for Thuram.
In addition, the Rojiblancos must also qualify for the UEFA Champions League, especially given the fact that Thuram is being courted by other European giants such as Bayern Munich, and a few Premier League clubs.
Not to mention, the French international is also expected to demand a signing bonus due to his status as a free agent. Therefore, Atletico Madrid must conjure up serious capital this summer if they are to get their hands on Marcus Thuram.
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.
