Atletico Madrid News
Barcelona have received offers for Antoine Griezmann, final decision up to player – report
With less than four days left in the summer transfer window, Antoine Griezmann’s future at Atletico Madrid has seemingly received a fresh twist.
The 31-year-old is on loan at Atleti from Barcelona, having arrived last year. As per the terms of the agreement, the French international joined the Colchoneros on a two-year temporary deal with an obligation to buy for €40 million in 2023.
The purchase clause will be triggered if Griezmann plays 45 minutes or more in 50% of the matches he is available for. In order to avoid that, Los Rojiblancos have been using him for under 30 minutes so far in the new season.
But, if a fresh update from Gerard Romero is to be believed, Griezmann could end up leaving Atletico Madrid this summer itself. As per the Spanish journalist, Barcelona have already received several offers from clubs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
However, the final decision over whether he continues at the Civitas Metropolitano or leaves for a new adventure remains up to Griezmann.
While Atletico Madrid are looking for loopholes to avoid paying the €40 million fee for Griezmann, they would be happy to keep him as long as Barcelona reduce the transfer fee amount for the obligatory purchase next year.
Manager Diego Simeone has already stated that he wishes to keep the Frenchman at the club. A similar sentiment was echoed by club president Enrique Cerezo recently, who recently said: “Antoine Griezmann is an important player in the squad and he cannot leave.”
But with new offers incoming for Griezmann, it will be interesting to see whether the former Real Sociedad forward considers those proposals or opts to continue with Atletico Madrid beyond the summer window.
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.
