Atletico Madrid News
Real Madrid and Atletico were keen to sign in-form Barcelona star back in 2018
Barcelona have been on an unbelievable defensive run this season in La Liga. In 21 games so far, the Catalans have just conceded seven goals and have equalled the league record for the least goals conceded at this stage in history.
What makes the statistic even more astounding is the fact that three of the goals were conceded in a single game against Real Madrid while one was an own goal by Jules Kounde. Factoring in the aforementioned information, the Blaugranas have only conceded three direct goals in a whopping 20 games.
Ronald Araujo is one of Xavi’s most trusted defenders in the setup. Since his promotion from the B team, the Uruguayan has gone on to become irreplaceable in the starting lineup and is the leader at the back.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were both interested in the defender’s signing when he signed for Barcelona’s youth setup in 2018.
The 23-year-old, however, opted to move to Barcelona instead, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Araujo may not be the most positional, technically gifted, or aggressive centre-back in La Liga. Yet, his attributes coupled with his passion for the badge make him one of the league’s most feared defenders.
In the recent Clasicos, it has regularly been Araujo who has walled off Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid’s attack and weakened the Merengues’ in the final third. Credit where it is due, both the capital clubs indeed missed out on a generational signing in 2018.
The 23-year-old joined Barcelona B from Boston River in August 2018 and received a red card on debut for the first team against Sevilla in 2019. Since then, however, he has grown into a special player averaging over eight defensive actions per game.
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.
