The re-sale value of Fernando Torres has risendramatically in the last few days as former club AtleticoMadrid have thrown their hat into the ring alongside Barcelona to acquire the services of their former protégé. Two days ago it would have been hard to believe that anyone would have any interest in the struggling Chelsea striker. That was until respected Spain-based journalist, Graham Hunter told Sky Sports, “Everytime Torres played for Atletico Madrid against them (Barcelona) hescored and terrorised themat Camp Nou. He also scored for Chelsea when they were knocked out of the Champions League. Thetruth of it is that Barca are saying they are ready to move for him and they are assessing their resources and it is a story that may evolve over the coming weeks.” Football fans the world over had only just started to digest this news and now there are reports in the Spanish press that former club Atletico Madrid have made contact with Chelsea and are expected to meet it’s senior officials to further negotiations. Torres has had a tumultuous two and a half years at Stamford Bridge since moving there in 2011,having failed consistently to live up to his reputation after his controversial and record-breaking switch from Liverpool. He has scored 8 goals in 36 leagueappearances this season, doing little to prove his critics wrong. New managerJose Mourinho has made nobones about his intent of looking for new strikers, despite Torres’ own desireto continue his stay at the Bridge. Before the reportedinterest from Barcelona, Mourinho was already considering a swap deal to exchange El Nino for Napolihot-shot Edinson Cavani. What remains to be seen iswhether the red half of Madrid can match and indeed even exceed Barca’s bid which is reported to be around £17 million. Torres still enjoys acult hero status in Spain and more so at Atletico Madrid. A return to familiar territory could do wonders for the confidence of the under-fire forward. After the departure of star striker Radamel Falcao to Monaco this summer, Atletico might need him as much as he needs Atletico.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:49:48 +0000
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