The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Nico Williams scored his first league goal since May as Athletic Bilbao earned a dominant 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. The Spanish winger praised head coach Edin Terzic for instilling a winning mentality that dismantled Diego Simeone's side at San Mames.
Marcos Llorente has admitted that Atletico Madrid desperately need Julian Alvarez to find his scoring boots after Diego Simeone's side suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club on Saturday. The Argentina international made his first appearance since a move to Barcelona collapsed, and his teammates are now determined to help him rediscover his best form.
Julian Alvarez is set to make his return to the Atletico Madrid matchday squad this weekend following a turbulent period defined by a failed attempt to force a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward has been reintegrated into Diego Simeone's plans after missing significant training time and the club's recent league fixture against Sevilla.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has shocked the footballing world by announcing his immediate retirement from international football. Despite being just 31 years old and coming off the back of a historic World Cup victory, the versatile midfielder has decided to hang up his boots for La Roja.
Arsenal’s late-window scramble for a new talisman led them directly to the door of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez. Following the departure of Gabriel Jesus and a failed pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the Gunners turned their attention to the prolific Argentine in the final days of August.
Barcelona star Dani Olmo has admitted his confusion regarding the circumstances that prevented Argentina international Julian Alvarez from joining the Catalan giants this summer. Despite the striker's apparent desire to move to the Spotify Camp Nou, Atletico Madrid remained steadfast in their refusal to negotiate with a direct domestic rival.
Barcelona are reportedly continuing to plot a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez despite missing out on the Atletico Madrid forward during the summer transfer window. The Catalan heavyweights eventually settled for a short-term attacking signing, but they are now actively stockpiling funds for a renewed pursuit of the Argentina international in 2027.
For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window once again proved to be exceptionally busy, with some huge names making big-money moves all the way up to Deadline Day on September 1.
Julian Alvarez has finally decided to remain at Atlético Madrid until at least the January transfer window, effectively ending a protracted summer saga. Despite heavy interest from Arsenal and a strong personal desire to join Barcelona, the Argentine forward will continue to ply his trade under Diego Simeone for now.
The English Football League has fiercely criticised UEFA following a major scheduling clash between the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. Frustrating fixture changes have impacted five domestic matches, moving several crucial ties including Liverpool's heavyweight clash with Tottenham. The EFL has publicly blamed European football's organisers for failing to accommodate domestic calendar constraints.
Mikel Arteta has moved to distance himself from mounting speculation regarding a deadline day move for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez. Following a narrow victory over Aston Villa, the Arsenal manager insisted his focus remains firmly on the pitch while club directors handle recruitment.
The relationship between Diego Simeone and Julian Alvarez has reportedly reached a breaking point as speculation regarding a move to Barcelona continues to swirl. Tensions in the Spanish capital are at an all-time high, with the Atletico Madrid manager said to be feeling deeply betrayed by his star forward's recent conduct.
Atletico Madrid have formalised their interest in Juventus striker Jonathan David by submitting an official opening bid. The Canadian international has struggled to settle in Serie A and could now be handed a lifeline in La Liga as Diego Simeone looks to reshape his frontline.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has admitted that the club could face a late shock in the transfer market regarding the future of star striker Julian Alvarez. The Argentine international, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona and Arsenal, was a high-profile absentee during Atleti's recent La Liga victory.
Atletico Madrid have reportedly issued a final ultimatum to Julian Alvarez, giving him a deadline to decide whether to seal a move to Arsenal or stay at the Metropolitano. The Argentine forward continues to weigh up his options amidst a period of significant uncertainty, having already been informed that a potential transfer to Barcelona is off the table.
Julian Alvarez has categorically rejected a return to Manchester City despite Enzo Maresca's side expressing interest in re-signing the Atletico Madrid striker. The Argentine remains locked in a tense summer transfer saga as he prioritises staying in Spain over moving back to the Premier League.
Manchester City have made a surprise entry into the intense transfer race for Julian Alvarez. The English champions are exploring a sensational loan return for the Argentine striker, actively looking to hijack Arsenal's massive proposed deal for the Atletico Madrid star in the frantic final days of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the mounting speculation regarding a move for Julian Alvarez as the summer transfer window enters its frantic final stages. The Gunners boss also provided a significant update on the futures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, both of whom appear increasingly likely to depart North London.
Atletico Madrid
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