Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea ready to pay €11 million to sign Atletico Madrid superstar on loan
Last month, Atletico Madrid president confirmed that Joao Felix is on his way out of the club after differences between him and Diego Simeone. The player was relegated to a bench role for a while before making his way back recently.
“He is the biggest bet the club has made. I think he has the highest level in the world but for reasons that are not worth going into now, the relationship between the coach and him is not good, nor is his motivation,” Gil Marin said.
“The reasonable thing is to think that he leaves, although I would love him to continue, but, this is not the player’s idea.”
Atletico have not made his departure easy, though. They have set a massive €100 million-plus price tag on him for a permanent loan, which is obviously difficult to meet in the winter.
They are, however, ready to let him leave on loan with a fee, with Manchester United, PSG, and Chelsea linked. The reported fee was in the region of €11-12 million, which put off most suitors.
Most. Not all.
According to fresh reports from Record, Chelsea are ready to pay the €11 million loan fee for Joao Felix Atletico have demanded.
The loan would last until the end of the season with possibly an obligation to buy, which could range from anywhere between €80-120 million.
Atleti bought him from Benfica for €125 million and are not ready to take a loss on him, especially given the club’s financial condition.
Further, his influence on the pitch has fallen down, too, with the return of Antoine Griezmann, who has been in rather impressive form.
Felix has four goals and three assists this season in the league in 14 games. He started and played 73 minutes against Barcelona recently, registering just one shot – that too, off target.
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.
