Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea deny Atletico Madrid links for English midfielder – report
Less than a couple of months after Chelsea signed Joao Felix on a loan deal, it appears the Premier League giants are prepared to make the move permanent following the Portuguese international’s solid start to life in England.
But knowing the acquisition of Felix could be a tricky affair, Chelsea were reportedly open to offering Mason Mount as part of the deal to sign the former FC Porto starlet, who is valued at around €100 million by Atleti.
However, a recent report from Fabrizio Romano, speaking on the House of Champions podcast, suggest Chelsea are not too keen on offloading the English international.
As a matter of fact, they have denied all speculations of Mount potentially joining Atletico Madrid as part of the deal to sign Felix. But that will not deter the Spanish giants, as the playmaker is indeed facing an uncertain future at the club.
Widely considered one of the most important attackers in the squad, Mount’s place in the Chelsea side has come under doubt in recent weeks after the Blues roped in the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke in the January transfer market.
This has led to widespread speculations over Mount’s future, with many expecting him to fall behind in the pecking order. This is why him being offered to Atleti as part of an exchange deal did not come as much of a surprise.
Not to mention, Mount also has a contract at Stamford Bridge expiring in 2024. Therefore, Chelsea must make a move swiftly if they are to keep hold of the Englishman, who in turn, could be a handy option for Diego Simeone, especially with one of the key players in Yannick Carrasco being linked with a summer move to Barcelona.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
