Atletico Madrid News
Barcelona yet to reach agreement with Atletico Madrid over star forward
Amid a legal standoff between Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona regarding Antoine Griezmann over the €40 million, reports lately have suggested that the two clubs could soon seek a renewed agreement in the coming days.
While Atletico are subjected to pay €40 million at the end of the season, providing Griezmann completes the 50% criteria, many believe that they could convince Barça to lower the price tag to €25 million.
However, a report from Diario SPORT suggests that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are yet to reach an agreement with Griezmann over any lowered terms.
Although the two clubs are actively seeking an agreement, negotiations could prove to be difficult as the discrepancies between the two clubs remain high. The whole operation could take much longer than expected, and the status quo has not changed much, as of now.
Griezmann, for his part, remains calm about the situation. He remains committed to continuing at Atletico Madrid, even though the forward has not been in more than 30 minutes of action in any of the matches so far this season. It was once again evident in Atleti’s recent Champions League encounter against Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Real Sociedad starlet is aware of the fact that he has registered his place in the French national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. As such, he is willing to wait and allow Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to resolve their differences.
Atleti president Enrique Cerezo had recently spoken about the issue, suggesting that the club do not plan to reach any agreement with Barcelona just yet. However, only time will tell whether or not their policy changes in the coming weeks, especially if Barça are willing to lower the price tag for Griezmann come the end of the season.
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.
