Atletico Madrid News
Atletico set for €50 million boost as Premier League club makes loan deal permanent
Matheus Cunha has been one of two Atletico Madrid attackers to leave Wanda Metropolitano in the January transfer window.
The forward joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a loan deal, which was to become permanent should certain clauses be triggered.
According to Vene Casagrande (h/t Fabrizio Romano), it appears Wolves have already activated the option to sign Cunha. The deal, believed to be worth around €50 million, becomes permanent after the attacker features in only three official matches for the club.
Cunha’s deal at Wolves will run until 2027, and Wolves’ exercise of the clause comes in the midst of the Brazilian’s brilliant performance against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, even though the club lost in penalties.
Cunha’s exit from Atletico Madrid could serve as a major economic boost for a club that have been reeling from losses, especially after their elimination from European competitions during the first half of the campaign.
Apart from Cunha, Atletico have sanctioned the exit of Joao Felix, too, with the Portuguese international joining Chelsea on a loan deal.
With Cunha and Felix gone, Atleti have kickstarted their search for attacking reinforcements as well, with the club reportedly keen on securing the services of Memphis Depay. The Barcelona attacker has emerged as the ideal replacement option for Felix.
Atleti and Barcelona are already in conversation over Depay’s potential move to Wanda Metropolitano. But there are certain semantics involved that may hinder the progress of the deal, including the fact that Barça are missing out on two of their forwards – Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski – through suspension.
Atletico Madrid, though, have no shortage of alternatives in the market and are exploring other options in their bid to replace not only Felix but also Cunha.
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.
