Atletico Madrid News
Real Madrid midfielder rejected Atletico approach during the international break
With Dani Ceballos’ contract with Real Madrid expiring at the end of the season, the Spaniard is generating a lot of transfer interest heading into the summer window.
One such interested party in the midfielder’s services is Atletico Madrid. The Rojiblancos are understood to be keen on snapping up the 26-year-old on a free transfer at the end of the season and have already made more than one approach to him about the same.
But, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Ceballos rejected Atletico Madrid’s approach during the recent international break as he continues to aspire of staying at Real Madrid.
As per the report, Atletico Madrid have a long-standing interest in Ceballos and had tried to sign him from Los Blancos two years ago as well, but the midfielder had shot down their approach.
And, they decided to rekindle their interest in the ex-Real Betis ace again this year, with Atletico officials reaching out to Ceballos in the first week of the international break last month.
However, there was no willingness to discuss any sort of an arrangement on the player’s part as he continues to dream of continuing at the Santiago Bernabeu, even though he is yet to receive any call from Real Madrid regarding a contract extension.
Some reports suggest that Ceballos will be offered a three-year contract by the Merengues but talks will only take place once the season is out of the way.
Having had a tumultuous spell early on in his career at Real Madrid, the 26-year-old spent two years away on loan at Arsenal. Upon returning, an injury kept him out of action for a good part of last season.
Ceballos is currently enjoying his best run in Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti which has allowed him to force his way back into the Spanish national team as well.
If Real Madrid do not offer him a new contract, the midfielder wants to stay in Spain itself, although it will be difficult because of his wages.
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.
