Atletico Madrid News
Real Madrid plotting raid on Atletico academy for 16-year-old defensive prodigy
Only five points separate Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings. With eight games left to be played, the two teams are in a tussle to finish second. While the two clubs battle it out on the field week after week, they are at all-out war against one another off it as well.
Earlier this season, the Madrid-based clubs threw away the respectful boundaries they had set amidst them to regulate transfers and secure their academies.
The so-called ‘non-aggression pact’ prohibited either team from signing the other’s academy prospects but Real Madrid had other ideas when they brought in Jesus Fortea last summer from Atletico.
Now, according to reports from AS, the men in white have identified their next target. Real Madrid see 16-year-old centre-back Ariel Nkoghe as their next target from La Academia.
The 16-year-old defender is one is Atletico Madrid’s best young prospects. His dynamic profile enables him to play as both a centre-back and a left-back although the former is his primary position. Further, he has also made five appearances with the Spanish national team at the U-16 level.
Last week, it was reported that Real Madrid had completed the signing of two more young stars from La Academia and that they had three others on their radar. Nkoghe appears to be one on the aforementioned list.
The divide between the two Madrid-based sides is now spreading to unbridgeable heights and it remains to be seen as to how the situation evolves. Atletico Madrid are said to be eyeing players from the Fabrica to get even.
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.
