#atletico-madrid

#atletico-madrid

According to multiple sources, Atalanta made a surprise move for AS Roma target Giacomo Raspadori on Monday evening, and they're now set to sign the striker from Atletico Madrid for a fee amounting to around €23million. It is about the same amount the Rojiblancos paid to acquire his services in August last year. Raspadori has been keen to return to Italy and was close to a transfer to Roma, but Atalanta have obviously jumped the queue and stolen the show.

Tottenham Hotspur have dramatically entered the race for Conor Gallagher, launching a late bid to hijack Aston Villa's proposed move for the England international. Spurs have held a long-standing interest in the former Chelsea midfielder, but had remained quiet during the early stages of this window. However, following Aston Villa's formal approach earlier today, the North London club has decisively acted to bring their long-term target to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to offer as much as 150m for the transfer of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in the summer. The Blues could do with a world class centre-forward after a frustrating season from summer signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, who haven't really delivered. Alvarez has a total of 40 goals in 81 games since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City, where he'd also impressed as a squad player.

"I'm very happy for Musso. He's working very hard, waiting for his moment to perform for the team," said Simeone. "It was an important day for him. He made two or three excellent one-on-one saves. Musso was the best player, which makes me happy. That's what he's there for, to make saves. And I'm glad the team had the composure to win."

Chelsea are in danger of losing one of Enzo Marseca's key men with Atletico Madrid pushing to complete his signing. Maresca has endured a tough few weeks, with Chelsea winning just once since beating Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League. They have found themselves eight points of Premier League leaders Arsenal and 13th in the Champions League, albeit in a strong position to at least advance to the knockout play-offs.

He signed an improved deal in the summer, and it's made a big difference to his wage packet. He's one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham, so it won't be cheap to get him out. If Atletico think he's going to walk out, they'll have to think again. He'd cost 60-70m. The fact that he's Argentinian and Diego Simeone's Argentinian will have nothing to do with it.

The hosts should have doubled their lead soon after, but Driouech tried to play one pass too many after being released by Sergino Dest, allowing Marc Pubill to intervene. That missed chance came back to haunt them when, having seen Pablo Barrios go close moments before, Yarek Gasiorowski made a mindless mistake in possession and allowed Julian Alvarez a simple finish.

Alex Berenguer scored a late winner as Athletic Club inflicted Atletico Madrid's second LaLiga defeat in four days, with Ernesto Valverde's side triumphing 1-0 at San Mames. Having lost 3-1 to Barcelona at Camp Nou on Tuesday, Diego Simeone's side lost further ground at the top of the table as they slipped up in a game of few clear-cut chances. Athletic had the better of a low-key first half, but Gorka Guruzeta shot wide following a flowing move 10 minutes in, while Nico Williams curled narrowly wide from distance.

Barcelona recovered to secure a 3-1 win against Atletico Madrid as goals from Raphinha, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres handed the visitors their first La Liga defeat since August and extended the champions' lead at the top after an intense clash on Tuesday. The result puts Barcelona on 37 points, four ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who visit Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.