Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea hold a strong interest in Atletico Madrid striker since the summer
For the first time in his Atletico Madrid tenure, Diego Simeone looks on the cusp of getting the sack. His team has dropped out of all European competitions this season, and are currently sitting fifth in the league, in genuine danger of missing out on the Champions League.
Not only that, but Atletico are in a rather volatile financial situation as well. They have been unable to make star signings, and will likely offload a majority of their squad in the summer to make way for fresh faces.
One of the players on the cusp of moving out is Joao Felix. The 23-year-old signed for Atleti in 2019 for more than €120 million following Antoine Griezmann’s departure to Barcelona, but has failed to make a lasting impression in the Spanish capital.
According to a report by the reliable Nathan Gissing, Chelsea are one of the parties interested in pursuing Felix’s signature. The Blues have, apparently, held a strong interest in the striker since the summer.
Felix was a subject of heavy European interest over the previous transfer window. In fact, it was reported that Atleti rejected a bid worth nearly €130 million from Manchester United.
The former Benfica man was also asked to comment on those reports, where he suggested that they might be more than just empty rumours.
“Nothing came to me, it’s the presidents. I’m here,” he had said.
Felix has not had the best of seasons so far, with seven of his 12 league appearances coming from the bench. He was said to be on crossroads with Simeone, which left him in the dust for a while.
The Portuguese has scored three goals, and set up three more in La Liga, but more often than not, has looked out of his depth in this massively underperforming Atletico Madrid side.
Colchoneros might be open to selling Felix in the winter, but will not make it easy for any pursuing teams. In fact, one can expect them to demand a price upwards of €100 million for his signature.
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.
