Atletico Madrid News
Manchester United made enquiries to sign Antoine Griezmann in the summer window – report
According to a report from The Athletic (h/t Barça Universal), Manchester United had enquired about the possibility of signing Antoine Griezmann during the summer transfer window.
The Frenchman is currently plying his trade for Atletico Madrid, having joined the club in 2021 on a two-year loan deal. But his contract at the Civitas Metropolitano has become a point of contention between Atleti and Barcelona, who have both drawn themselves into a legal battle over a specific clause.
The special clause allows Barcelona to offload Griezmann for €40 million at the end of the season if the attacker features in over 50% of the available matches. However, with matches only being counted if the player plays for more than 45 minutes, Atletico have opted to feature him only after 30 minutes in games this season.
It has led to frustration within Griezmann, and there are suggestions that the attacker could look to leave Atletico Madrid after the turn of the year.
Manchester United were among the clubs interested in his services in the summer. The Premier League giants had been looking for a reliable forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo at the time and made enquiries for Griezmann.
However, the 31-year-old was focused on continuing at Atletico at the time and did not entertain any offers.
Meanwhile, with Ronaldo international remaining at Old Trafford, they did not opt to sign anyone. However, with Griezmann facing a difficult situation at Atletico Madrid, it will not come as a surprise to see Manchester United emerging as a suitor for the Frenchman.
Despite his lack of game-time at the Metropolitano, Griezmann remains rather calm about his national team situation, knowing his place in the French squad is virtually guaranteed despite the return to form of some of the other attacking players, including Ousmane Dembele.
And while he did start his first game of the season on Sunday night, if the situation regarding his playing time does not improve, a parting of ways as early as January cannot be ruled out.
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.
