Tag Archives: Atletico Madrid

Chelsea Expect £30m Asking-Price To Be Met As Atletico Become Desperate

Josh Challies July 12, 2017

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is making major changes to his Premier League champions this summer and a wealth of significant departures could occur in the coming weeks.

The Blues missed out on the services of striker Romelu Lukaku, who sealed a move from Everton to Manchester United, but have added Willy Caballero and Antonio Rudiger to their ranks ahead of a Premier League title defence.

Conte is still focused on getting further deals done, as he eyes a new striker and a midfielder, and his transfer kitty is likely to be bolstered by a sale of Diego Costa, who has been informed he’s surplus to requirements.

Atletico Madrid, despite their transfer ban that would leave any signings unable to feature until the new year, are keen to bring the striker back to the Spanish capital and The Guardian indicates Diego Simeone’s side are growing increasingly desperate.

That’s left Chelsea confident their asking-price of £30m will be met, with Atletico’s transfer plans falling apart.

What’s happened with Atletico?

Things started relatively positive for Atletico Madrid as they retained the services of Antoine Griezmann amidst interest from Manchester United, securing the Frenchman to a new contract, but their transfer ban was upheld- casting major problems for the club’s recruitment drive.

Initial agreements were in place to sign Alexandre Lacazette, Vitolo, Diego Costa and Sandro before their ban was confirmed to still be going ahead. Since then, Lacazette has joined Arsenal, Sandro has joined Everton and Vitolo is set to sign a new deal with Sevilla.

Simeone’s frustration means that Atletico don’t really have a strong bargaining position when it comes to negotiations with Chelsea and will probably have to pay whatever the Blues desire, although a £30m fee wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Spaniards.

Insider Discusses Possibility of Huge Man United Transfer, Gives Positive News

Josh Challies April 25, 2017

Manchester United have been heavily linked the services of big-name players this summer, with one particular man attracting a wealth of attention in the back-pages during the past few months.

The man in question is of course Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, who has been identified as the prime-target to bolster the Red Devils front-line next season- and United’s interest in the Frenchman may have risen following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury last week.

However, Manchester United aren’t the only club interested in the services of Antoine Griezmann but the Frenchman’s advisor, Eric Olhats, handed United two huge boosts- stating the Red Devils have shown the most interest, whilst also stating Paris Saint-Germain are no longer keen.

What was said?

Speaking to French outlet Telefoot, Olhat said:

“There was Manchester United who came, who inquired, they told us about their project. They were the first and most concrete in their wish.”

“Last year, there was a real interest, and this year, no, it’s not part of their plans.”

However, Olhat also reiterated that any interested party will have to match Griezmann’s mammoth release-clause, whilst he questioned whether the Red Devils were a lucrative option for the 26-year-old forward.

“We are currently in the area of ​​taking information from clubs that have concrete means. There is a clause, which is 100 million euros, which is unavoidable. Of candidates. These candidates are the English clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea. In Spain, Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid.”

“If Diego Simeone, his mentor, is leaving, he has to leave too, and afterwards, in relation to the different choices he has, I think the most obvious, and here I forget the Madrid problem.”

“He’s a great player, but you have to raise trophies, Real Madrid seems to me a lot better than Manchester United because there’s Zizou, there’s a team Where things seem clear, structured.”

“Manchester United is not yet relaunched, they had to revive themselves this year, even in a transitional year, but they are lagging behind their passing times.”

What does this mean for United?

Although the quotes ended with a damning assessment of Manchester United’s current situation, the possibility of Antoine Griezmann moving across Madrid to join Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu is extremely unlikely.

The same can also be said for Barcelona, who boast the best attacking trident in world football and seem unlikely to make any changes there, so realistically it should just be a one-horse race for Griezmann’s signature- but United will have to convince Griezmann to move.

With Atletico once again in the semi-finals of the Champions League, Griezmann has vast opportunities available to him and can lead Atleti next season in their move away from the Vicente Calderon. Should Simeone leave this summer though, Griezmann will almost definitely follow.

Report: World Class Player Keen On A Switch To Manchester United

Josh Challies April 5, 2017

Manchester United have a lot of work to do under Jose Mourinho this summer and the Portuguese boss is preparing for another flurry of transfer window activity.

Amidst all the deals that could bring fresh faces to Old Trafford, Manchester United will also be wary of losing key assists to other top sides in Europe- and goalkeeper David De Gea is one player in particular they’ll have to fend off interest in.

The Spaniard continues to attract a wealth of interest from Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid but United have a back-up plan if he does seal a move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with The Manchester Evening News stating Jan Oblak is keen on a switch to the Premier League giants.

Conceding just 18 goals in La Liga last season, 24-year-old Oblak is widely regarded to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world but Manchester United would have to face a huge sum to land his signature- likely one that would eclipse the world-record fee paid for a goalkeeper, which currently stands at the £33m Juventus paid for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001.

Money is not a problem for United though and the comments from a source close to the player will give the Red Devils a real boost if they elect to pursue Oblak’s signature.

What’s been said?

A source told The Manchester Evening News: 

“I think for every player it is an honour to come to the UK and play for clubs like this one. A lot of top clubs from Europe wants the best goalkeeper in the world. In the UK, there are three of them who show an interest regarding Jan Oblak.”

“If De Gea goes back to Spain, everything is possible.”

How expensive would a deal be?

With a release-clause of £85m, and with Atletico Madrid having no intention to sell, securing Jan Oblak’s signature may be difficult. However, Atleti are set for a summer of change as they leave the Vicente Calderon and they could lose the services of key-men like Antoine Griezmann.

Oblak is close to both Griezmann and Jose Gimenez, both of whom have been linked with a move to Manchester United, and he may feel this summer is the right time to leave Atletico- with Real Madrid and Barcelona halting their rise in Spanish football.

On the continent, Atletico are going strong and are set to face Leicester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League but the Spaniards have lost in the final in two of the last three seasons, so Oblak may feel his best chance of continental glory lies elsewhere.

That said, Manchester United may not be able to offer Champions League football and that could throw a spanner in the works of any potential deal.

Analysis: Arsenal Eye Big Name Who’s The Perfect Summer Addition

Josh Challies March 27, 2017

Arsenal are set for a period of transition this summer that could see a number of changes take place at the Emirates Stadium- but they’ll be keen to make some improvements to the squad.

The Daily Star, reporting via Spanish outlet Marca, state Arsenal are ready to go toe-to-toe with Atletico Madrid for the services of Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, with the La Liga giants targeting the French striker as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann continues to attract the interest of a host of top sides and Atletico could lose his services this summer, whilst Kevin Gameiro’s services could also be lost amidst continued interest in the striker from China.

However, Arsenal are not prepared to end their long-term pursuit of Lacazette and are eyeing the striker as a top-class addition this summer, which could be necessary if the Gunners lose the services of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the close-season.

How important is Lacazette?

For a side that once boasted Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Sylvain Wiltord and Nwankwo Kanu all in one squad, having only Olivier Giroud as a senior recognised striker within the squad is certainly an issue- and it’s something Arsenal need to fix this summer.

Regardless or not of whether Alexis Sanchez stays at Arsenal, the Gunners need a striker who can lead the line for the duration of the season and guarantee at least twenty goals a season- something Lacazette can do with ease.

With an impressive 95 goals in 198 Ligue 1 appearances, including 23 in 24 this season, Lacazette has established himself as one of the deadliest strikers on the continent and he could genuinely be the forward that gets Arsenal out of their slump and towards further success.

Crucially, the signing of Lacazette could also allow Arsenal to shift away from the 4-2-3-1 formation that the Gunners have become accustomed to in recent seasons and it would be a good move, as it’s fair to say the formation doesn’t quite work.

How would Lacazette fit in?

The question is whether Alexis Sanchez or Mesut Ozil remain at the club as, if both do, Lacazette would sit in attack of the current 4-2-3-1 formation. If Ozil leaves and Alexis stays, Lacazette could play centrally in a 4-3-3. If Alexis goes and Ozil stays, then the formation could shift again.

Lacazette is the sort of striker who is capable of excelling in a lone role, with a partner, supported by two wingers or supported from deep. Whether Alexis and Ozil are there or not, Lacazette would become an instant hit at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal would probably have to play a club-record fee for Lacazette and whilst some may argue that would be overpriced, his value for the Gunners would certainly make a deal worthwhile.

Manchester United ‘On Verge’ Of Landing Prime Target In £86m Deal

Josh Challies March 25, 2017

Manchester United are on the verge of completing an astonishing deal for Jose Mourinho’s prime transfer target this summer.

Manchester Evening News reports that Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann is set to swap the Spanish capital for the North West of England this summer in a stunning deal worth £86m- which would put the French striker in the same bracket as world-record signing Paul Pogba.

Jose Mourinho is keen to land Griezmann’s services this summer and sources close to the French international indicate that a move is on the verge of completion– as Atletico are powerless to stop their star-man from leaving if his €100m release-clause is met.

Griezmann’s arrival would signal another major statement of intent from the Red Devils, who splashed the cash last summer to bring the likes of Eric Bailly, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford, and it would kick-off another summer of spending for Mourinho as he builds a new-look side.

How would he fit in?

Manchester United would have an abundance of attacking force with Griezmann’s arrival, as the Red Devils already boast the likes of Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. However, captain Wayne Rooney is likely to leave.

With Ibrahimovic turning 36 next season, the Swedish striker is also not a long-term option for Mourinho and Griezmann’s arrival would ensure that the Red Devils have a top-class striker ready to take the mantle when Ibrahimovic inevitably moves on.

It could trigger a change in set-up for United though as Griezmann would likely play alongside Ibrahimovic up-top, forcing Anthony Martial into a wide-role with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the other flank- which would hand United a sensational attacking line.

There is questions of what it would mean for Marcus Rashford though, as the England international would find opportunities increasingly difficult to come by. However, with Ibrahimovic likely only having another year left, the position is there for Rashford to grab in the future.

Would it be a world-record deal?

It’s unlikely that Manchester United would have to surpass the world-record fee they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba last summer, which came to £89m, as Griezmann’s release-clause of €100m equates to around £86m- £3m short than his compatriot.

Griezmann’s signature would certainly be right up their amongst the biggest fees in football history though and Manchester United would offer stunning wages in a deal to the Frenchman- with Rooney’s likely departure alone freeing up around £300k-a-week.

Whatever United spend would likely be recouped in sponsorship deals and shirt sales though, as Griezmann’s popularity worldwide would boost United’s bank account and add to the list of world-class players plying their trade at Old Trafford.

Chelsea & Manchester United Fans Not Sold On Reported Target

Josh Challies June 30, 2015

The Premier League could be set for another big signing from Spain, with reports that both Chelsea and Manchester United are in talks with Arda Turan- but neither fan base seems thrilled with the links.

Last week it was confirmed that the Turkish international was looking to leave the Vicente Calderon and 3-4 clubs were in talks with the 28-year-old, with two of those believed to be United and Premier League champions Chelsea.

Reports have since indicated the players next club will be announced on Friday- and it seems fans are more hopeful that Turan does not join their club, rather than actually pulling of the signing of the man from Atletico Madrid.

Although some fans are pleased with the links and want the signing to take place, they seem to represent a small minority.

Where would Turan fit in best and will Manchester United pull off this major coup?

Twitter Astonished By Copa Del Rey Classic

Josh Challies January 28, 2015

A sensational match occurred in Spain this evening, as Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 at the Vicente Calderon- but the goals were only half of the story.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring within 39 seconds, before Neymar equalised. Atletico then pulled ahed thanks to a controversial penalty, with Miranda then levelling things up again on the night by diverting the ball into his own net.

Atletico then appealed for another penalty for a hand-ball, which wasn’t given, and Barcelona hit on the counter-attack and Neymar achieved his second of the night.

At half-time the madness continued with Gabi being sent off, believed to be because he insulted the referee, before Arda Turan threw his boot towards the linesman. It wasn’t other there as Mario Suarez was dismissed for a second-bookable offence late in the game.

If you thought that was crazy, it also emerged during the game that Atletico’s Ansaldi was spending the evening in a police station after slamming his car door on the hand of a policeman. Bizarre doesn’t quite cut it!

Gossip: Arsenal & Saints Battle For Midfielder, West Ham Target Atletico Star

Josh Challies January 7, 2015

Welcome to the Fresh Football gossip column. Each week (or maybe slightly more regularly) we will review the gossip, give our thoughts and then pick out the best tweet from the fans for each rumour.

Arsenal and Southampton battle for 21-year-old Juan Quintero of Porto (Daily Star)

With the two sides locked in a battle for the final Champions League place, their new arena will now be off the field. Quintero is wanted by the Saints on-loan, whereas Arsenal have been linked with a permanent offer. To be honest, Southampton would be the better fit for him as he would get more game time, rather than in an already jam-packed Arsenal squad.

West Ham Target Atletico Madrid’s Mario Suarez (Daily Mail)

West Ham are looking optimistic in the transfer window as they want to bring Atletico Madrid’s Spanish midfielder Mario Suarez to the Boelyn Ground. However, the La Liga winner is set to have offers from AC Milan, whilst Arsenal have also been linked with his signature. Whilst it’s certain he will improve West Ham’s squad, you’d have to question whether he would leave a Champions League side for the East End of London…

Real Madrid Beat English Sides To Martin Odegaard (Various)

A major blow has been handed to a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, with the news that Martin Odegaard is set to join Real Madrid.

The 16-year-old is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football and he will go straight into the first-team at the Bernabeu. Given his talent, it’s a real shame we won’t get to see him establish himself in the Premier League- and a massive blow to the other interested parties.