Atletico Madrid News
Griezmann and Pogba video call ahead of Atletico vs Man United Champions League clash
Manchester United travel to Madrid on Wednesday to take on Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg. The two sides have not face off in an official match since 1991, with a few familiar faced locking horns.
For Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba, two friends, it will be the chance to take on each other for the first time in their career. After playing for the French national team for several years together, the two have developed quite the chemistry but have not crossed paths with their clubs.
Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, Griezmann and Pogba spoke to each other on a video call. A screenshot of said call was shared on Instagram by the Man United midfielder.
Griezmann has been in incredible form in the Champions League despite injury trouble, scoring four goals and assisting one.
The 30-year-old was sidelined for the last seven games, returning to the bench vs Osasuna on the weekend. He might not get the nod to start against United, but an appearance off the bench is pretty much guaranteed.
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.
