Atletico Madrid News
Real Madrid will not go to great lengths to renew midfielder amid Atletico interest
The future of Dani Ceballos has become a hot topic in Madrid. The midfielder has had a blistering start to the year, where he has emerged as a first-team regular, on the back of a series of excellent performances.
Ceballos’ return to prominence has led to speculations over his future, especially with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Unsurprisingly, the former Real Betisstarlet has caught the eye of various clubs across Europe. While AC Milan and Aston Villa were formerly interested, Atletico Madrid have joined the race as well, as the Spanish giants look to reinforce their ranks in the midfield department next season.
A recent report from ABC (h/t Madrid Xtra) has confirmed Atletico Madrid’s interest in Ceballos. But it suggests that the midfielder’s future largely depends on the choices he makes during the second half of the campaign.
It has been widely reported that the midfielder wants to remain at Santiago Bernabeu. But the club do not see him as an undisputed starter in the long run and only consider him as a good squad player.
The report states that Real Madrid are even willing to hand him a contract renewal. But they are not ready to go to great lengths to secure his services, which essentially paves the way for Ceballos to choose his next destination.
With Atletico Madrid interested, the Spaniard has the avenue to continue his football in La Liga. The player himself is keen on staying in Spain and does not want to return to the Premier League, which played a key role in his decision to reject a move to Aston Villa.
A lot will be revealed in the coming months, as Ceballos contemplates the next step in his career.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
