Atletico Madrid News
Newcastle United emerge as an option for €100 million-rated Atletico Madrid attacker
With Joao Felix’s loan stint at Chelsea set to come to an end on June 30, Atletico Madrid will have to start finding ways to offload the Portuguese international again in the summer transfer window.
Felix had a falling out with manager Diego Simeone and after having underperformed at the Civitas Metropolitano for most of his stint, he left for Chelsea on loan in the winter window earlier this year.
While it was reported that Chelsea would be open to making the move permanent, the 23-year-old’s inconsistent performances and high price tag have meant that there are doubts about whether the Blues would be willing to make a big investment in him.
Amidst this, a report from David G Medina of MARCA is claiming that Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, Newcastle United, have emerged as an option for Joao Felix heading into the summer.
The Magpies are on their way to playing UEFA Champions League football next season as they are currently seated third in the Premier League, a point clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.
And, in order to compete at the highest level, Newcastle are understood to be planning on making some big moves in the summer market, with Felix’s name now claimed to be on their radar.
Given their deep pockets, the Tynesiders could afford to shell out the €100 million fee Atletico Madrid are seeking for their loanee. A move to St. James’ Park might appeal to the former SL Benfica wonderkid as well as he desires to play in the Champions League.
In January 2022, Newcastle raided Atletico Madrid for the signing of Kieran Trippier. Whether they make a move for Felix in the summer will be interesting to see.
Some reports have also suggested that Chelsea might look to extend the Portuguese international’s loan stint for one more season instead of signing him permanently.
So, there seem to be plenty of possibilities as far as Felix’s future beyond the ongoing campaign is concerned.
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.
