Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea to hold talks with Atletico Madrid for €126 million forward – Romano
When Joao Felix signed for Atletico Madrid for a fee of €126 million in 2019, it was evident that the management saw him as the face of the club for years to come. After all, his arrival coincided with the departure of Antoine Griezmann and the Rojiblancos were in dire need of a marquee player.
The Portuguese international suffered a rough three seasons at the Spanish capital in a system that seemed to restrict his style of play. The numbers were underwhelming but not many would argue about the flashes of quality he showed on the field.
Felix has been rejuvenated since his move on loan to Chelsea. He has been one of the bright spots on the dysfunctional side, so much so that the club are considering making his move permanent.
Fabrizio Romano maintains that the forward’s deal with the Premier League side does not have a purchase clause included. However, Chelsea will attempt to talk with Atletico Madrid in May or June about working a solution that sees Felix in London.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter spoke about the youngster’s influence on the team and the feelings around his acquisition. As quoted by Romano, he said,
“We are really happy with him (Felix). His approach, his ideas are excellent. His quality makes things happen. The fact that João can play in a few different positions is good.”
The 23-year-old has made five Premier League appearances for Chelsea so far since his move in the winter transfer market and has scored one goal in the process. Despite being sent off on his debut for the club, he has come back strong and is now a regular starter.
The youngster extended his contract with Los Rojiblancos until June 2027 ahead of his loan move to England. Thus, the Spanish side can remain confident of recouping a large part of their investment if Chelsea end up making his move permanent.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
