Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid rivalled by Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of Brazilian international
With the transfer deadline not far away, it seems like Atletico Madrid are still not quite done with their business in the summer window.
According to Sky Sports, Los Rojiblancos are among a host of clubs interested in securing the services of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian holding midfielder has emerged as a transfer target for Diego Simeone’s side who are looking to add more quality and strength to their squad as they hope to challenge their neighbours Real Madrid for the La Liga title.
Even though Atletico Madrid have signed Axel Witsel this summer, the Belgian is no longer the quality player he used to be a few years ago at Borussia Dortmund. So, signing someone of Luiz’s age and proven pedigree can help the Colchoneros as they would be adding more steel and bite in the midfield.
However, Luiz looks likely to spark a deadline day scramble as some heavy-hitters in the Premier League are also interested in signing the 24-year-old enforcer from Villa.
Indeed, as per the report from Sky Sports, Arsenal and Chelsea are also in the hunt for the signing of the Brazilian international.
The Gunners are forced into the market after injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, while Chelsea are looking for a backup for N’Golo Kante, who is also out with an injury. It has led them to the Aston Villa midfielder, given his experience in the Premier League.
Liverpool, too, have been mentioned as suitors. However, the Reds are unlikely to pursue Luiz as they are close to signing his compatriot, Arthur Melo, from Juventus.
Even if Liverpool are no longer in contention, clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal would be better equipped to hand Luiz a much more lucrative contract than Atletico Madrid. So, the Rojiblancos will have a tough fight on their hands if they wish to sign the midfielder before the summer window slams shut.
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
