Joao Felix out, Marco Verratti in at Atletico Madrid?

Marco Verratti, PSG, Atletico Madrid
Marco Verratti, PSG, Atletico Madrid / BSR Agency/GettyImages
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French media, L'Equipe in particular, revealed the interest of Atletico Madrid in signing PSG midfielder and Italy international Marco Verratti on Wednesday morning.

PSG's stance is clear: all players are available for the right price, and according to the French outlet Paris Saint-Germain would sell the Italian for a fee "of no less than €80m."

Negotiations are believed to be "ongoing" with Atletico, and insiders describe the situation as "hot." Diego Simeone is seemingly "eager" to strengthen their midfield options and proceed with the deal if the transfer fee isn't otherworldly.

L'Equipe emphasizes, though, that Verratti remains a crucial asset for PSG and a very valued player in the organization. Liverpool and Al-Hilal have been mentioned as alternative potential suitors for the midfielder if Atletico don't end up signing him.

This news is interesting also because they arrived at the same time as Joao Felix's announcement on Tuesday that he "wants to join Barcelona" and that he only has the Catalan club in his sight, per Fabrizio Romano.

The football insider revealed that information on his latest newsletter, published on July 19, saying that "an exclusive statement from Joao Felix revealed his desire to play for Barcelona."

Romano wrote that "Barca want to sign the Portuguese forward," which should make for an easier negotiation between the clubs and the player considering all parties are interested in the transfer going through as long as the financial terms are good for everyone involved.

Romano also stated that Felix told "directly" to him on Tuesday that "I want to go to Barcelona.” Now, it's up to Atletico and Barcelona to reach a deal, and if the Joao Felix sale goes through then Atletico might actually entertain buying Marco Verratti once they fill their pockets and can launch a strong offer to PSG in order to acquire the Italy midfielder from Paris.

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