Underperforming Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul could soon head back to Serie A amid his ongoing La Liga struggle. According to Mundo Deportivo, Milan, Inter, Juventus, and Roma are ready to start a transfer tug-of-war to lure the Argentina international back to Italy.
De Paul played a prominent role in helping his country win the 2022 World Cup trophy this winter. But despite his eye-catching exploits in Qatar, the 28-year-old’s future in Madrid is up in the air. He has fallen out of favor with manager Diego Simeone and is also on strained terms with the Metropolitano Stadium faithful.
Atletico dashed out around €35 million to land De Paul from Udinese in 2021. However, while he excelled at the Dacia Arena, last summer’s switch to La Liga hasn’t panned out as expected. Once a creative midfielder, he has become more of a ‘pit-bull’ type of player under Simeone.
Furthermore, De Paul has tumbled down the pecking order at Atletico, with the club now considering his sale. That’s music to Serie A heavyweights’ ears, as the household quarter aims to bring the Argentine back to Italy, preferably on favorable terms.
The possibility of De Paul plying his trade in Serie A again already this January is on the cards. Juventus sit at the head of the queue as they hope to replace out-of-form Manuel Locatelli as soon as possible. Yet, known for pulling off cut-price deals, they could miss out on his signature.
Defending Serie A champions Milan are also in the race, but a lack of financial muscle remains a sticking point. The same goes for Inter, who must sign a new midfielder to give Simone Inzaghi strength in depth amid the club’s embroilment in a fierce top-four battle.
It leaves Roma as the most plausible destination. Jose Mourinho is no stranger to luring out-of-sorts stars and reigniting their careers. The Portuguese hoped to do the same with Georginio Wijnaldum before a long-term injury early into his Stadio Olimpico career hindered that bid.