The Atletico Madrid transfer listing reveals the latest developments in the pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spanish giants are closing in on Frenkie de Jong and have also made a bid for Newcastle United striker Victor Osimhen. Newcastle are also interested in Ronaldo, but have not yet announced a formal offer. The club is looking to clear space in their wage budget to sign Ronaldo.
Atletico Madrid stepping up pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo
Atletico Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo after announcing they would offload Antoine Griezmann in a bid to sign the Portuguese forward. The Portuguese international has been a target for a number of clubs this summer, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham. However, they have not made a move due to strong ties between the two clubs. In order to raise the necessary funds for the move, Atletico listed Griezmann on their transfer listing.
There have been rumors that Atletico Madrid are keen to slash the reported PS300k a week wage that Ronaldo earns at Real Madrid in order to lure him to their club. According to reports, Ronaldo is willing to accept a 30 per cent pay cut as he wants to play Champions League football for his former club. Atletico may be willing to make the move as a way of winning silverware in the Champions League next season.
Antoine Griezmann is in the second year of his two-year loan deal with Barcelona. His contract has a PS25.5m compulsory transfer clause. Since Paris Saint-Germain have been unwilling to sign Griezmann because they already have Neymar in their squad, Atleti are in a position to offer the French international a big deal. But Paris Saint-Germain haven’t shown much interest in signing the midfielder, despite the fact that they have offered him to Atletico last week.
Manchester United closing in on Frenkie de Jong
Reports have suggested that Manchester United are closing in on Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona keen to get rid of the Dutch midfielder. But De Jong is not keen on a move to United. He has ‘flatly refused’ to join the Red Devils, and is concerned about stepping down to the Europa League. Meanwhile, Barcelona have Champions League football next season, while United play in Europa League.
The Red Devils have been close to striking a deal with Barcelona for the midfielder, who was the top target for the Dutch side last month. Barcelona have been holding out for around EUR85m, and United are convinced they can secure that fee for Frenkie de Jong. However, the Spanish giants are holding out for more than double their initial offer, and they are resolute in their pursuit of the player.
United have been heavily scouting the Dutch midfielder in recent weeks. Despite the high price tag, Erik ten Hag is keen to add more balance to his side’s midfield. His desire to improve the team’s play and impose his philosophy is also evident. In particular, de Jong’s position awareness and ability to pick up the ball from central defenders has impressed the Dutch manager, and it would be interesting to see if the new boss could sign him this summer.
Diego Costa a target for West Ham United
The Spanish midfielder has been linked with a move to West Ham United. He has not yet signed a new contract with his current club and is reportedly looking to leave for a new challenge. But, there are other clubs interested in the striker, including Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 33-year-old scored twice in seven Premier League appearances last season and has been linked with a move to the Hammers.
The Hammers have been searching for a new striker since the start of the transfer window. On deadline day, they presented a proposal to the GSB for a transfer. The Hammers could potentially sign Diego Costa in the closing hours of the window. The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker has been a free agent since terminating his contract with Atletico Madrid. He has also had offers from China, Turkey, and Brazil.
While West Ham United have been looking for exciting players who can improve their team, Costa has not been on the same level as the club’s other top targets. However, the Hammers’ fans want to see the Spain international join them. They have also been keen to sign Marko Arnautovic, who was recently dropped from the squad. With Costa’s reputation for predatory finishing, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Hammers to improve their attacking options.
Victor Osimhen a target for Newcastle United
Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle have all been linked with the Napoli striker, but the latter is not yet on the radar of the English club. The Nigeria international has impressed in Italy, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in thirty appearances. This has prompted a raft of interest in the player and his transfer to Newcastle could prove to be a lucrative move for both parties. However, the main sticking point in securing Osimhen’s services is the lack of European football at St James’ Park. If Newcastle can’t sign Hugo Ekitike, they could try to find another forward.
With Arsenal and Manchester United also interested in Osimhen, it seems that Newcastle are determined to sign the forward. However, the Nigerian international is reluctant to leave the UEFA Champions League. So Newcastle are preparing a huge offer in the hope that the striker will agree to join them. The Premier League club is hoping to attract a player who has already been deemed the best player in Europe and whose contract is worth PS85million.
The Nigerian international has impressed in Italy, where he played for Napoli last season, scoring 18 times. He has also been linked with a move to Newcastle as the club have enough funds to pay the £67m transfer fee and pay his wages. If Newcastle do make a move for him, the forward’s price will increase substantially and he could earn up to £750,000 a week.
Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid must cut wage bill
After being hit by the Covid19 crisis, Real Madrid are preparing for another round of salary cuts. The club has asked players and executives to accept another 10 percent cut from their salary in 2019-20. This will affect all playing staff, but not the 800 auxiliary staff. However, it will still hit the club’s balance sheet. The player cut is likely to lead to more job losses.
Real Madrid have been looking for a way to cut their wage bill as they have lost some of their top players and need to sign new ones to replace them. In order to do this, they must cut their wage bill to attract more players and keep their current stars. Real Madrid have already cut the wages of some of their stars, including Luka Modric, but it’s unlikely that they can keep him if they have to reduce the wage bill further.
The club’s wage bill is expected to fall by around PS150 million, making the club’s budget tighter. Several big earners have already been dropped, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos. The club is also expected to reduce their first team squad to 35 players. This is far too many for Carlo Ancelotti to manage.
Antoine Griezmann a target for Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid are interested in bringing Antoine Griezmann to the Spanish club after seeing his impressive form on loan at Barcelona. The 21-year-old Frenchman began his career with Real Sociedad, winning the Segunda Division in his first season. After joining the Spanish champions, Griezmann went on to win the UEFA Europa League, the Super Cup and the Copa del Rey. He was also named La Liga’s Best Player and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, the latter coming in 2018. In January 2018, he joined Barcelona for a reported EUR120 million, the same amount as his previous fee.
Atletico may decide to do a summer revamp of their squad, and Griezmann could be one of the casualties. The Frenchman earns EUR18 million per season and could face the exit door if the club decides to sell him. The club has been searching for a right-back since Kieran Trippier left in January. The Frenchman’s lack of goals has caused some fans to question his future.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have not reached an agreement to sell Antoine Griezmann, but Atletico are trying to raise money to stay afloat. The club has been battling with their LaLiga salary cap since last season. Barcelona has already confirmed Griezmann is open to a swap deal, but they have not yet reached a deal. Atletico Madrid are also in talks with Barcelona about signing Griezmann.
