#atletico-madrid

#atletico-madrid

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.