Diego Simeone has hit back at criticism aimed at Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker moved to Atletico 18 months' ago, joining from Manchester City for £81.8m. Alvarez enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Spain, scoring 17 times and laying on an additional four assists for Los Colchoneros. However, the 2022 World Cup winner is enduring a testing second season.

Arsenal have reportedly begun exploring a sensational summer swoop for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, less than a year after breaking the bank for Viktor Gyokeres. Sporting director Andrea Berta is leveraging his deep connections at the Spanish club to gauge the possibility of bringing the Argentine World Cup winner back to the Premier League, despite the Gunners’ current record signing still finding his feet in north London.

Cristian Romero’s Tottenham future has been thrown back into doubt after Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez revealed he held talks with the Spurs captain about a potential summer move to Spain. The World Cup-winning defender ultimately signed a new long-term contract, but Alvarez’s admission has reignited speculation. With Atletico still admiring Romero, his commitment could again be tested next summer,

Julian Alvarez has addressed the growing speculation linking him with a shock move to Barcelona. The Atletico Madrid forward, currently midway through his second season at the Metropolitano, insisted he remains "very calm" about his future and focused on winning titles under Diego Simeone, despite reports suggesting the Catalan giants are monitoring his situation.

Four of the eight quarter-finalists have been decided, but who were the top performers in this week's UEFA Champions League matches?