Atletico Madrid can seriously focus on preparing next season, after their exit from the club World Cup in the group phase. Los Colchoneros are set for another busy summer, planned with various large movements.
It is no secret in the Spanish capital that Atletico hopes to negotiate deals for Johnny Cardoso of Real Betis, Alex Baena van Villarreal and in an ideal world, Argentina and Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero. The outputs are less clear. Angel Correa will leave, but no big departure has been announced.
A big name that can leave is Rodrigo de Paul. The 31-year-old has only passed on his contract for a year, and sources close to Voetbal España have explained that contract discussions started in April nowhere due to disagreements about the length of the deal and the salary. As such, Los Rojiblancos are open for the sale of the Paul and have set a price tag of € 25-30 million. However, since the Paul could end his contract, Atletico would like to look for a movement before the end of the summer.
Atletico rejected an € 25 million bid from West Ham United in January, but it seems that they have moved from him. Galatasaray, Aston Villa and AC Milan all keep a close eye on how the situation evolves, but Inter and Juventus are cited as the two parties in Europe most interested in the Paul. The Paul has history in the Serie A,
More recently, Inter Miami also started conversations with the camp of the Paul and investigated the possibility of relocation. The franchise of David Beckham offers the opportunity to play at club level together with long -term teammate of Argentina and friend Lionel Messi, but so far the Paul continues his career in Europe.
However, his exit from Atletico is not yet given, and manager Diego Simeone is the strongest lawyer in his corner. He wants to keep the Paul and that sources indicate that the Paul lower his salary requirements, then contract discussions can be back on the table. Earlier this season, the Paul seemed to explain his desire to stay and said: “I am at a club that I love with values that I share.”