Atletico Madrid target Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi as Barcelona competition intensifies

Atletico de Madrid have entered the race for Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, creating direct competition with FC Barcelona for the Morocco international.

The Madrid club are looking to strengthen their midfield and regard Ounahi as a player capable of contributing both defensively and in attack, according to Fichajes. His versatility and ability to influence both phases of play are understood to be central to Atletico’s interest.

Ounahi, 26, is under contract at Girona until 30 June 2030. His performances last season attracted attention from a number of clubs, with the midfielder scoring five goals and providing two assists in 1,766 minutes in La Liga.

Those figures underlined his role in Girona’s system and also drew interest from Villarreal, according to sources cited by Africafoot.

Barcelona had already shown an interest in Ounahi as they considered options to strengthen their midfield. Atletico’s decision to pursue the player could now increase competition for his signature and push up the eventual transfer fee.

His market value is estimated at €18m by Transfermarkt. However, Girona could demand between €20m and €25m before considering a sale this summer.

Girona are in a strong negotiating position because Ounahi signed a long-term contract after joining the club permanently in August 2025, following an agreement with Olympique de Marseille.

The Morocco international can operate in a more advanced midfield position or take on a deeper role. His willingness to move forward and contribute in the attacking phase is another part of his appeal to Atletico.

The Madrid club must now persuade both the player and Girona if they are to move ahead of Barcelona in the contest for his signature. No agreement has been reported, but Atletico’s interest adds another major La Liga club to the list of potential destinations for Ounahi.

His versatility could make him an attractive option for a side seeking greater flexibility in midfield. Ounahi’s ability to perform at different levels of the pitch has helped establish him as one of the players being monitored by clubs preparing for the new campaign.

Atletico de Madrid are also due to begin their Spanish league campaign against Malaga. For that match, the betting company 1xbet lists Atletico as the clear favourites, with odds of 1.28 for a home win. A draw is priced at 5.30, while a Malaga victory is listed at 9.40.