Atletico Madrid reject Barcelona proposal which includes 22-year-old star as part of deal to sign Yannick Carrasco: Reports
Barcelona have suffered a blow as Atletico Madrid have rejected their swap deal offer. Diego Simeone is not in favor of adding Sergino Dest to his squad in exchage for Yannick Carrasco.
As per a report in El Nacional, Barcelona will have to renegotiate with Atletico Madrid for Carrasco. They have the option to first preference on the Belgian this summer, but are not willing to make a bid for the forward.
The two clubs agreed a deal for the Belgian forward in the January transfer window when Memphis Depay moved to the Wanda Metropolitano. Barcelona confirmed the agreement in a statement that read:
“FC Barcèlona and Club Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Memphis Depay for the fee of 3 million euros plus one million in variables. The agreement includes a preferential but not compulsory purchase option for the player Yannick Carrasco.”
The Catalan side are now trying to make a player-swap deal with Atleti and had reportedly offered Ferran Torres in the previous round of talks.
Sergino Dest has no future at Barcelona
Xavi is keen on signing a right-back in the summer as he does not want any of his current defenders to play on the flank. The Catalan side's manager has played Jules Koude and Ronald Araujo as the right-backs this season, when Sergi Roberto was not available.
The manager spoke about playing Kounde as a right-back last month and said (via Heavy):
“We will have time to think about next season. He is adapting well to right-back. I know he’s a center-back but circumstances are what they are. He has to adapt to play as a right-back for the team and he’s playing well. It’s not his best position, he’s a center-back, he prefers to play there. He is helping us a lot in defence. Incredible as a right-back or a center-back.”
Meanwhile, Dest's agent has confirmed that three Premier League clubs are interested in his client. He said (via Heavy):
“There is still no progress with any club. Dest will return to Barcelona and then we will meet with the management and decide. There are three clubs from the Premier League that have shown a lot of interest.”
The United States star is on loan at Serie A side AC Milan this season.