Atletico Madrid News
Juventus, AC Milan interested in under-fire Atletico Madrid midfielder – report
Rodrigo De Paul has a history of disciplinary problems, but the most recent of them has seen him attract a lot of criticism. Having been given permission to visit his ill father on the day Atletico Madrid faced Sevilla, the midfielder was spotted attending a gala in Miami.
Diego Simeone casually put down all questions related to the Argentine’s actions, but it is very clear that the club are unhappy with the midfielder.
Given his volatile situation at Atletico Madrid, there is a real possibility of him departing Spain in the upcoming January transfer window. The club see his departure as a way to control the bleeding, while De Paul could look at it as a chance to start fresh.
According to reports from MARCA, Juventus and AC Milan are interested in the Argentine’s services and are keeping tabs on his situation. Los Rojiblancos would be willing to negotiate and talks over a transfer could accelerate in the coming weeks.
However, one must not forget that the FIFA World Cup is just around the corner and could turn the tables completely.
If the player progresses deep into the tournament with Argentina, who are one of the favourites, his market value will see a steep rise. Moreover, Simeone may not wish to part ways with the midfielder in such a scenario.
De Paul’s complicated situation is a result of his poor professionalism during Atletico Madrid’s clash against Sevilla at Ramon Sanchez Pijzuan. This is not the first time he has been reprimanded for his conduct.
Since arriving at the Civitas Metropolitano last year, the 28-year-old De Paul has played 57 times, scoring five goals and setting up three more. While he had been seen as a valuable player by Simeone, the recent controversy could see him get pushed out of the club.
Having succeeded at Udinese before joining Atletico, a return to familiar surroundings in Italy could appeal to the Argentine international.
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.
