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 ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
