Atletico Madrid News
Diego Simeone dismisses Antoine Griezmann exit rumours: “I love him”
When Antoine Griezmann slammed the ball past David Soria at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, it was clear that the goal was very special for him. After all, it was the Frenchman’s first league goal since November 2021 when Atletico Madrid beat Cadiz.
It just took him 13 minutes on the field to combine with Joao Felix and seal the game for his team on the night. Griezmann had got his campaign off to a flyer, but ironically, reports immediately began flowing in that the club were looking to part ways with their French star.
Ahead of his team’s clash against Villarreal, Diego Simeone addressed the press where he spoke about Griezmann’s situation. As quoted by Antonio Ruiz, he said,
“I hope he continues with us, I appreciate him and I love him. I hope he can continue in the same line he had in the pre-season and this Getafe match.”
The manager then proceeded to talk about what made the former Barcelona player special and outlined his role in the team.
“He is adaptable to other positions and allows us to be more offensive from midfield forward. He has a vision of the game and work.”
Griezmann is now in the second year of his loan at Atletico Madrid and the club will have to shell out €40 million if he participates in at least 50% of the games across his spell.
Last season, he played 33 out of 40 games, thus registering an appearance in over 80% of the matches.
Los Rojiblancos do not intend to pay such a large sum for a player who has struggled to contribute. In fact, they are reportedly trying to offload the striker, following which Simeone was asked to comment on the Frenchman.
While the clause does not kick in until the end of the season, Simeone will be forced to bench Griezmann for most of the games henceforth to keep his appearances under 50%.
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.
