Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid’s January pursuit of Barcelona forward in danger of collapsing
Memphis Depay’s move to Atletico Madrid seemed to be nearing a stage of total completion recently. However, if the latest reports from Mundo Deportivo are to be believed, the player’s transfer to Civitas Metropolitano has hit a dead end.
According to the Spanish outlet, Barcelona are now having second thoughts about selling the player to a direct rival. The Catalans would prefer if the Dutchman moved to a foreign league in the ongoing transfer window.
While this spells bad news for Atleti, Barcelona’s decision is not one that can be faulted. After all, they do not have the best history in transactions with the Rojiblancos. Moreover, they do not have any replacement in place and are unsure of the FFP situation even if the forward leaves.
The last two times the Blaugranas sold a forward to Atletico Madrid, the respective players won the league title for the Colchoneros. In addition to the sagas of Luis Suarez and David Villa, one recounts how the entire Antoine Griezmann transfer saga unfolded back in 2019 and last year.
As for Depay, the Dutchman is open to leaving Spotify Camp Nou only for a promising project and would be happy to join Atletico Madrid. But if a move does not materialise, he is okay with running down the final six months on the sidelines.
Thus, the Rojiblancos can look to snap up Depay’s services in June regardless as he will be available as a free agent.
The priority for Diego Simeone & co. now will be to look at alternative options to cover the void left by the departures of Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha for they are heavily short-staffed in the forward department. Given the club’s situation, it would not be surprising if they accept a player on a six-month loan spell too.
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.
