Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid want to sign Arsenal target as a free agent next summer
Earlier this week, Atletico Madrid were reported to be on the hunt for a new midfield option. While Diego Simeone has several options at his disposal to deploy as interiors, there are not many players he can rely on as the pivot.
After a long search, the club identified Douglas Luiz as the ideal signing. The Aston Villa midfielder is seen as the perfect backup to Geoffrey Kondogbia and Axel Witsel, especially given that the latter is not at the world-class level he was a few years ago.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Los Rojiblancos have changed their stance on the situation. The Italian journalist states that Atletico Madrid no longer consider his signing a priority and are looking to make a move for him next summer when he will be a free agent.
However, the story is not that straightforward. Arsenal have come out on the aggressive to sign the Brazilian international in recent hours and have already had one bid rejected.
The player already has an agreement in place with Arsenal over a five-year deal. Yet, Aston Villa are hesitant to let go of Luiz and there is no progress in negotiations between the clubs.
As it stands, the player may not be an Aston Villa player in 24 hours, in which case Atletico Madrid will stop their pursuit. The entire operation now hinges on Arsenal’s second bid which is expected to be close to €30 million.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 34 league appearances in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Moreover, he averaged over seven defensive actions per game.
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.
