Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid want to sign Arsenal target as a free agent next summer
Earlier this week, Atletico Madrid were reported to be on the hunt for a new midfield option. While Diego Simeone has several options at his disposal to deploy as interiors, there are not many players he can rely on as the pivot.
After a long search, the club identified Douglas Luiz as the ideal signing. The Aston Villa midfielder is seen as the perfect backup to Geoffrey Kondogbia and Axel Witsel, especially given that the latter is not at the world-class level he was a few years ago.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Los Rojiblancos have changed their stance on the situation. The Italian journalist states that Atletico Madrid no longer consider his signing a priority and are looking to make a move for him next summer when he will be a free agent.
However, the story is not that straightforward. Arsenal have come out on the aggressive to sign the Brazilian international in recent hours and have already had one bid rejected.
The player already has an agreement in place with Arsenal over a five-year deal. Yet, Aston Villa are hesitant to let go of Luiz and there is no progress in negotiations between the clubs.
As it stands, the player may not be an Aston Villa player in 24 hours, in which case Atletico Madrid will stop their pursuit. The entire operation now hinges on Arsenal’s second bid which is expected to be close to €30 million.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 34 league appearances in the Premier League, scoring two goals and providing three assists. Moreover, he averaged over seven defensive actions per game.
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.
