ARSENAL ANNOUNCE £34M WINGER SIGNING AMID 'GROUND-BREAKING PROGRESS' OVER STRICKER DEAL

Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of Greek winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and reportedly thundered towards the sensational signing of Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez.

Arsenal have already made Piero Hincapie’s loan move permanent for €40million (£34m) and signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Tzolis has now become their third summer arrival. Mikel Arteta’s side have paid Club Brugge €40m/£34m to land Tzolis on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old, who will wear the No 17 shirt at the Emirates, has replaced Leandro Trossard in Arteta’s squad. Trossard recently joined Besiktas for €20m (£17m).

Reacting to Tzolis’ capture, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta told club media: “We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Christos Tzolis.

“Christos is an extremely versatile attacking player who naturally operates on the left but is comfortable across the front line. He’s an excellent finisher with both feet, thrives in tight spaces, and possesses incredible technical ability.

“Christos has produced outstanding numbers in terms of goals and assists over the last three seasons, and he’s a player who will raise the technical level of our squad, while bringing positive energy, enthusiasm, and a strong mentality to our team.

“We’re confident Christos will make a significant contribution to our club, and we hope our supporters will enjoy watching him play in an Arsenal shirt.

“We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter together.”

Arsenal remain on the hunt for a new striker and a second left winger to compete with Tzolis. They had earmarked Morgan Rogers for the latter role but were not willing to bid over £80m, with Chelsea ultimately snaring the Englishman for a huge £117m.

Arsenal are now targeting Bradley Barcola, Yan Diomande and Nico Williams instead.

Recent reports have suggested Arsenal have overtaken Barcelona in the chase for Argentina striker Alvarez, too.

Arsenal move into pole position for Julian Alvarez

CaughtOffside revealed on Tuesday that Arsenal have made ‘ground-breaking progress’ in their pursuit of Alvarez after Berta held talks with the player.

Atleti have also told Berta they would rather sell to Arsenal than LaLiga rivals Real Madrid or Barca, setting up a potential move to the Premier League worth €130-150m (£111-128m).

On Wednesday, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips claimed the Blues could accidentally help Arsenal get closer to signing Alvarez.

He reported that Atleti are considering selling the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

- James Holland

ESTIMATED CLUB EARNINGS | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2025/26

 

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN APOLOGIES TO ATLETICO MADRID FANS AHEAD OF SUMMER EXIT - "IT WAS A MISTAKE TO GO TO BARCELONA"

 

It was an emotional farewell for Griezmann as he addressed the fans in a special ceremony after full-time. Photo by Javier SORIANO / AFP via Getty Images

On Sunday, Antoine Griezmann made his final appearance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano as an Atletico Madrid player. The 35-year-old, who is the club’s all-time top goalscorer, has already agreed to join MLS side Orlando City in the summer, thus bringing to an end a 10-year career across two spells.

After Sunday’s match against Girona, which Atleti won 1-0 with Griezmann providing the assist for Ademola Lookman’s goal, the Frenchman gave an emotional speech to the home crowd, and as per Sport, he started it by once again apologising for his decision to join Barcelona in the summer of 2019.

“First, thank you all for staying. This is amazing. Second, and something very important to me, I know that many did and some still did not, but I ask your forgiveness again. I didn’t realize the affection I had here. I was very young. It was a mistake (to go to Barcelona), I reconsidered and we did everything to come back and enjoy it again.”

Griezmann pays special tribute to Simeone and Koke

Griezmann also took the time to pay tribute to those that have helped him during his time at Atleti, such as Diego Simeone, Koke Resurreccion and his family.

“To the coaching staff and to the one who changed everything at this club: Don Diego Pablo Simeone. Thanks to you there is a lot of enthusiasm and I was world champion and I felt the best in the world. I owe you a lot and it has been an honour to fight for you. I don’t know if I’m a legend, but you, Koke, are a legend of this club. My wife, my wife too. Thank you for supporting me in my bad days and holding my anger in defeats. I love you.

“I also thank my parents, who took me all over France to play. Thanks to them I am here enjoying football. I haven’t been able to bring a league or a Champions League, but this affection is better for me. I’ll take it for the whole trip. Now, I’m done. Fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, thank you very much for bringing the children here, to teach them that Atleti is the best in the world. Thank you.”

- John Menzies

ARSENAL REACH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL! | SIMIONE & ARTETA REACTION

ARSENAL EQUAL ASTONISHING 55-YEAR RECORD IN ATLETICO MADRID WIN AS MIKEL ARTETA SINGLES OUT "IMMENSE" PLAYER

 

© Iconsport / Paul Marriott/Alamy Live News

Arsenal equalled an astonishing 55-year club record and wrote a new chapter of Champions League history in their monumental semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

The Gunners ended an agonising 20-year exile from Europe's main event thanks to a gutsy display against Diego Simeone's side, who succumbed to a 1-0 loss on the night and a 2-1 aggregate defeat.

Bukayo Saka's tap-in towards the end of the first half was the difference between the two clubs, as Arsenal progressed to their first Champions League final since losing to Barcelona in the 2005-06 edition.

record and wrote a new chapter of Champions League history in their monumental semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

The Gunners ended an agonising 20-year exile from Europe's main event thanks to a gutsy display against Diego Simeone's side, who succumbed to a 1-0 loss on the night and a 2-1 aggregate defeat.

Bukayo Saka's tap-in towards the end of the first half was the difference between the two clubs, as Arsenal progressed to their first Champions League final since losing to Barcelona in the 2005-06 edition.

Either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain - who contest their second leg on Wednesday - will stand in the Gunners' way of lifting the trophy at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30.

Arteta's men may be viewed as the underdogs against either of the two top-scoring teams in the Champions League this season, but the finalists have now avoided defeat in each of their 14 continental clashes in 2025-26.

Arsenal equal club record for wins in single season

© Iconsport / DeFodi Images

In Champions League history, there have been 44 instances of a team playing 14 games or more, and Arsenal are the only side to go unbeaten in all of them.

Arteta has masterminded 11 victories and three draws in the current edition, while also conceding just six goals along the way and registering nine clean sheets.

Arsenal's shut-out tonight also marked their 30th clean sheet across all competitions, where Arteta's men have now won a staggering 41 games in the current season.

With their second-leg victory, Arsenal also equalled their club record for their most wins in a single campaign, having also prevailed in 41 contests during their historic 1970-71 season.

That year, Bertie Mee led Arsenal to a First Division and FA Cup double, and Arteta could now oversee an unprecedented Premier League and Champions League-winning campaign for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta singles out "immense" Arsenal player in Atletico victory

© Iconsport / PA Images

Saka scored the winning goal, but every man in red and white played their part in a joyous evening for the Premier League leaders, whose manager Arteta singled out one "immense" player.

Striker Viktor Gyokeres missed a golden chance to put Arsenal 2-0 up, but the Swede played a key role in Saka's winner and used his physical frame to his advantage, drawing three fouls and constantly backing into defenders to hold up play.

Asked about Gyokeres's display by Amazon Prime, Arteta had nothing but praise for his summer signing, in spite of his second-half howler in front of goal.

"He was immense," Arteta said on Gyokeres. "You could see the reaction of the crowd ever time he was holding the ball. His work rate, what he's giving the team, it's just incredible."

After learning their opponents for the 2025-26 UCL final, Arsenal continue their pursuit of the Premier League title away to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

- Ben Knapton

ARSENAL VS. ATLETICO MADRID | SEMI FINAL | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SEMI-FINALS

 

THIERRY HENRY STUNNED BY BARCELONA EXIT | UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS

 

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN TRAVELS TO USA TO FINALIZlSE ATLETICO MADRID EXIT

Antoine Griezmann has decided to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, and he will continue his career in the MLS. The 35-year-old, who is Los Colchoneros’ record goalscorer, will take advantage of the international break to define his future, as he readied himself to leave the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Earlier this year, Griezmann was the subject of intense interest from Orlando City, who wanted to sign him for the start of the 2026 MLS season. However, the former France international took the decision to see out the remainder of the European campaign with Atleti, who have aspirations to win the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

Nevertheless, Griezmann has now decided that he will fulfil his dream of playing in the MLS, as Marca have reported that he has given the green light to join Orlando City this summer. He will travel to the United States in the coming days to finalise his contract with the Florida-based club, with Atleti having given him permission to do so.

Griezmann will leave Atleti on free transfer

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Atleti will not make his difficult for Griezmann to leave, as they have already decided that he can leave without a transfer fee being needed – despite the fact that he is contracted at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano until the summer of 2027. They see it as a debt of gratitude for one of the best players in their history, given that he has asked to end his time at the club at this moment.

Griezmann’s influence at Atleti has gradually waned in the last couple of years, so it is probably the right time for him to move on. Nevertheless, he will be a big miss for Diego Simeone, who will now task the club’s sporting director Mateu Alemany to find an acceptable replacement.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

 

LAMINE YAMAL SENDS EPIC MESSAGE TO BARCELONA FANS AHEAD OF COPA DEL REY TIE AGAINST ATLÉTICO

BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images

Lamine Yamal is feeling good and already looking forward to facing Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey in midweek after scoring his first Barcelona hat-trick against Villarreal.

Barcelona head into the second leg of their semi-final tie at Camp Nou already 4-0 down and with a mountain to climb. However, Yamal is simply refusing to give up hope. He took to social media after the game with a post that reads: “1% chance, 99% faith.”

Yamal also had a few words about the match afterwards, telling the media: “It was time to react and push. We are doing it. Now let me tell our fans… …come to the stadium against Atléti, the magic can happen.”

Eric Garcia is backing Yamal to deliver the goods against Atletico. He shared his thoughts afterwards saying, “We are lucky that he plays for our team, Lamine’s performance has been incredible, he could even have saved one or two goals for Tuesday.”

Let’s hope he has saved a few goals for Tuesday night as Barca face a huge task trying to turn the tie around.

- Barca Blaugranes

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | ROUND OF 16

 

BODO/GLIMT IS DOING THE 'UNTHINKABLE' VS. EUROPE'S GIANTS

Bodo/Glimt has only gotten to play THREE competitive matches in 2026 since their league season ended in November in order to avoid Norway's peak winter. The three games have come against Europe's GIANTS, Man City, Atletico Madrid AND Inter Milan. This team from of a town of just 54,000 people is currently doing the unthinkable. A story that anything is possible in this sport 💛

'BAD DAY AT THE JOB' FOR FC BARCELONA AS THEY WERE ROUTED 4-0 BY ATLÉTICO MADRID

 

TOP 10 IN TOP 5 LEAGUES IN EUROPE

This is how the Top 10 Table appears in the Top 5 leagues, prior to the international break. Only Arsenal represents the English Premier League and LaLiga has four teams representing them.

Felix Ebih Ogbu

VIRGIL VAN DIJK SNATCHES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WIN FOR LIVERPOOL AS DIEGO SIMEONE SEES RED

Champions League: Liverpool defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Virgil van Dijk's stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday. Simeone was shown a red card in the aftermath of Van Dijk's 92nd-minute header after his side had come from 2-0 down to level thanks to a double from Marcos Llorente. Liverpool looked on course to wipe the floor with the struggling Spanish giants after scoring twice in the opening six minutes.

Mohamed Salah outshone Alexander Isak on his first Liverpool start as his free-kick deflected in off Andy Robertson before the Egyptian fired home himself.

Llorente was the scourge of Liverpool five years ago as Atletico came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Anfield in a contentious last-16 tie.

History was set to repeat itself until this time Liverpool grabbed the late winner that lit the fuse between the home support and the visiting manager.

Simeone appeared to be demanding the removal of one fan in particular even after he was shown a red card by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani.

"In the same way we fight against racism, we should look at this too because we don't have a right to respond and it is not easy to be insulted during the entire match," said Simeone.

"My reaction isn't justifiable but do you know what it is like to be insulted for 90 minutes?"

Liverpool have now won all five of their opening Premier League and Champions League games with winning goals after the 80th minute.

But Arne Slot was disappointed not to have had the three points wrapped up well before stoppage time after a flying start.

"A game like this should not have gone to a late game winner," said the Dutch coach.

"I understand that's the story of this game and the last five games but for me it is a different game than the ones we played before. We had so many great attacks today where we could have scored the third goal."

Salah on song

Isak made his debut after becoming the most expensive player in English football history following his 125 million pounds ($170 million) move from Newcastle.

Liverpool's triumvirate of big money forward signings, also including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, has at times left Salah on the fringes of the action in the opening weeks of the season.

But Salah was back to his best on Wednesday.

Robertson knew little about his goal as Salah's free-kick hit the Scotland captain to completely wrong-foot Jan Oblak.

Moments later Salah showed his speed, strength and quick feet to see off three Atletico challenges and slot in from Ryan Gravenberch's pass.

Salah was close to a stunning third after being sent clear by Wirtz's through ball as Liverpool looked set to run riot.

Atletico have endured a torrid start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening four La Liga matches.

Against the run of play the visitors suddenly had a lifeline in first-half stoppage time when Llorente prodded a shot into the far corner.

Liverpool were nearly made to rue a series of chances to put the result beyond doubt before Llorente struck again.

Salah came closest when he hit the inside of the post at the end of a brilliant counter-attack involving Wirtz, Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Despite not dropping a point in the Premier League so far, chinks in Liverpool's armour have been exposed after a huge summer overhaul of the squad that cruised to the title last season.

Including the Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace, Slot's men have now conceded two or more goals in four of their opening six matches of the campaign.

There was some fortune to Atletico's leveller as Llorente's volley deflected off Alexis Mac Allister to leave Alisson Becker helpless on 81 minutes.

But the rock solid defensive organisation of Simeone's best Atletico sides is lacking in his current crop and they failed to resist the Liverpool onslaught.

Van Dijk was left completely unmarked to power in Szoboszlai's corner, causing the Argentine's anger to boil over.

- Agence France-Presse

ARSENAL ISSUE THOMAS PARTEY TRANSFER STATEMENT AFTER BARCELONA CONTRACT TALKS

Thomas Partey's contract with Arsenal expires this month and the midfielder has been linked with a free transfer to Barcelona, despite Mikel Arteta wanting him to stay

Arsenal have confirmed that they remain in talks with Thomas Partey over his future at the club. Partey, 31, sees his current deal expire on June 30 but boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep him.

The midfielder is claimed to have held talks with La Liga giants Barcelona over a potential free transfer. Partey spent his formative years in Spain and joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020.

This season, the Ghanian played more games than ever for Arsenal. Partey made a total of 52 appearances, topping his previous best tally of 40.

But his future remains uncertain, with Arsenal issuing an update when announcing their retained and released list on Wednesday. Partey is one of two men's team players whose current terms run out at the end of this month.

A passage read: "The following players' contracts also expire on June 30, 2025. Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course: Chloe Kelly, Thomas Partey and Michal Rosiak."

Arteta has gone on record to state that he hopes Partey will sign a new deal. "I think consistency-wise it's been his best season," the Arsenal manager said last month. "The way he's played, performed, his availability, has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us."

In April, Arteta was asked if there'd been any progress in contract talks with the 31-year-old. "Yes, there is progress with all the players," he replied. "I'll leave that to [sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the club to decide and to talk about."

Pushed on whether it's his intention to have Partey in his squad next season, Arteta continued: "The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward."

Mikel Arteta wants to keep Thomas Partey at Arsenal(Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Aside from the Ghana international, Arsenal have confirmed the departure of first-team stars Kieran Tierney and Jorginho. Tierney, 27, is set to rejoin former club Celtic while 33-year-old Jorginho has been linked with a move to Flamengo.

Loanee Raheem Sterling is confirmed to be returning to Chelsea. Neto will also return to Bounemouth after making just a single appearance.

Arsenal's full retained and released list: Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Teyah Goldie, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Lina Hurtig, Amanda Ilestedt, Jorginho, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand, Ismail Oulad M'Hand, Neto. Brian Okonkwo. Elian Quesada-Thorn, Zacariah Shuaib, Raheem Sterling, Kieran Tierney.

- Nathan Ridley

RWANDA SPONSORING ATLETICO MADRID

Rwanda 🇷🇼 becomes first African sponsor for football giants, Atletico Madrid.

ANDREA BERTA IMMEDIATELY PUT TO WORK AS 'ARSENAL' 'WANT' NEW SPORTING DIRECTOR 'TO SECURE' £51M TRANSFER CAPTURE

Arsenal have announced the arrival of the vastly experienced Andrea Berta as their new sporting director.

The 53-year-old left his role as Atletico Madrid sporting director earlier this year, and he has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as the replacement for Edu.

Berta's arrival in North London has now been confirmed, and he has a huge reputation in the world of football, having been instrumental to Atletico's recent success, while he has worked in technical roles for both Parma and Genoa.

The Italian has said that he is making the move to Arsenal during "a hugely exciting period for the club", with the Gunners establishing themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title in recent seasons.

Arsenal confirm Berta appointment, as Italian replaces Edu

"I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club," he said in a statement on the club's official website.

"I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

"The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role and I am really looking forward to experiencing my first game at Emirates Stadium together with our supporters."

Meanwhile, the club's co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: "Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.

Andrea will be a great addition to our club. He understands our values and what we stand for and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies.

"We undertook a thorough recruitment process and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea's experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. "We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family."

Berta 'tasked' with securing deal for Real Sociedad's Zubimendi

According to The Mirror, Berta has been immediately tasked with securing a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international famously turned down the chance to make the move to Liverpool last summer, but he is expected to leave at the end of this season, with a number of clubs interested in his signature.

Real Madrid appear to be Arsenal's main competition for the Euro 2024 winner, but it is understood that the Gunners are confident of winning the race for a player who has a £51m release clause in his contract.

Arsenal are said to be hopeful that Berta's expertise will help them get a deal over the line for Zubimendi, with the bulk of the framework already being completed, as the North London club view him as a priority signing this summer.

The 26-year-old has again been a vital player for La Real during the current season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering two assists in the process.

- Matt Law