Rodrigo De Paul is all set to join Atletico Madrid this summer.
According to reliable journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, De Paul is close to joining the Rojiblancos.
The Italian journalist says a deal in the region of €35 million has been agreed, and that he can confirm the report.
Journalist Gianluigi Longari also made a similar claim slightly earlier than Romano.
Atlético Madrid – De Paul almost done deal for 35 M. 5 y contract already agreed for the #Udinese mdf @tvdellosport @AlfredoPedulla #DePaul #atleti
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) June 15, 2021
The La Liga champions had opened talks with him around two weeks ago, and they are now close to securing his signature.
Romano claims that Atletico are sorting out the final details to sign the attacking midfielder.
De Paul will sign a long-term deal that will keep him at the club until 2026. Atletico are planning medicals for him.
He has also added that Arsenal were never interested in him.
Rodrigo de Paul is set to join Atlético Madrid, confirmed. €35m final fee. ⚪️🔴 #Atléti
After opening talks two weeks ago, Atléti now closing on final details to complete the agremeent. Contract until June 2026 to be signed soon.
Arsenal never contacted Udinese for de Paul. https://t.co/oH2sH5nGgd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2021
Atlético Madrid are already planning medicals for Rodrigo de Paul – deal almost done for €35m to Udinese, just final details to be completed then it’s gonna be signed. Saúl received many approaches and he’s expected to leave Atlético in the next weeks. ⚪️🔴 #Atléti
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2021
Blow for Leeds and Liverpool
The news will come as a big blow to Leeds and Liverpool.
Leeds were heavily linked with a move for De Paul last summer, and the Whites had retained the interest since.
Although Leeds always maintained that they were never interested in him, the links didn’t go away.
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear told The Phil Hay Show on The Athletic last month: “If we had the money, I think we would just buy him, just to shut you guys up. I don’t think that one has any legs.”
Last month, a report from Il Milanista claimed that the 26-year-old would be in demand, with Udinese valuing him at around €40 million (£34m).
Leeds and Liverpool were mentioned as interested parties.
De Paul scored nine goals and provided nine assists in 36 Serie A games last season. He will be a superb signing for Atletico.
Read: Leeds unwilling to pay £20m for Maxwel Cornet.
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