Atletico Madrid News
Tottenham accept defeat in pursuit of versatile Atletico Madrid star
As per reports from The Telegraph, Tottenham have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Yannick Carrasco and have decided to move on to other targets.
Carrasco returned to Atletico Madrid in January 2020, nearly two years after leaving the club for a stint in the Chinese Super League.
Since coming back, the Belgian international has grown into a vital part of Diego Simeone’s setup, with his versatile nature adding a lot of value.
This versatility and proven pedigree made Carrasco an appealing target for Tottenham as Antonio Conte sought a player who can compete with Emerson Royal at right wing-back while adding depth on the opposite flank as well.
However, despite the Lilywhites’ interest in taking Carrasco away from the Civitas Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid have made it clear that they do not have any intentions of letting the 28-year-old leave this summer, even though the player would have been open to a switch to the Premier League.
It has forced Tottenham to end their pursuit of Carrasco and look at alternative options. Meanwhile, the Belgian international will now sign a new contract with the Colchoneros.
The Belgian international’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2024 and Atleti plan on tying him down to a longer contract.
Across his two stints with Atletico Madrid, Carrasco has made 222 appearances for the club, scoring 37 goals and setting up 39 more. Simeone will need him to be firing on all cylinders if the Rojiblancos are to have a successful campaign this time out.
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.
