Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid want Premier League star to replace Manchester United, Tottenham target
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on the future of Jan Oblak. Despite speculations ringing around the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper signing a contract extension until 2028, he remains a top target for multiple Premier League clubs.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs targeting a move for Oblak in 2023.
Man United are targeting Oblak as a direct replacement for David de Gea, who could leave Old Trafford in the summer. Tottenham, too, are targeting the Atleti goalkeeper as a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, who is in the final phase of his career..
Atletico Madrid, for their part, have started their search for a replacement for Oblak. They are reportedly keen on the services of Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa.
The former Arsenal starlet has been performing at the top of his game ever since his move to Villa Park a few years ago. He has established himself as a first-team regular for the Argentine national team, notably helping the country lift the Copa America title in 2021.
Martinez’s consistent performances at the club level have also made him one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. As such, he has emerged as Atletico Madrid’s desired option to replace Oblak.
Martinez had extended his contract with Villa earlier in the year and his deal at the club does not expire until 2027. Hence, the goalkeeper could cost a fortune, as far as Atletico Madrid are concerned.
However, it will not come as a surprise to see the Argentine international pushing for a move to Atletico Madrid, as he could look to team up with his fellow countryman Diego Simeone.
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.
