Atletico Madrid
Crystal Palace signing this 23-year-old Colombian starlet would be the right step forward by Hodgson – agreed?
Crystal Palace opinion: Eagles want Rafael Santos Borre – good choice?
Colombian news outlet Diario del Cauca has reported that Crystal Palace
Currently contracted to River Plate, the Colombian had struggled to make an impact with the Los Rojiblancos, owing to their surplus of forwards.
The Colombian had impressed in his loan spells with Deportivo Cali and Villarreal before moving to River Plate. The 23-year-old arrived at the start of last season and became manager Marcelo Gallardo’s focal point during the Copa Libertadores.
He even made the cut for the final of the tournament against Boca Juniors, missing the second leg due to a yellow card suspension. But that didn’t stop Rafael Santos Borre from finding the net, producing 14 goals in all competitions.
That combined with the fact that he only played 1674 minutes in 33 appearances is a remarkable achievement.
That is a sensational record for someone who was considered to be a flop at Atletico Madrid. It also shows why Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for the striker as they lack a certified goal scorer.
While they did add Michy Batshuayi on loan in January, Chelsea’s transfer ban means that a permanent move may not be on the cards.
That will hurt the Eagles next season as they have struggled to acquire a proper number nine. It was on show during the first half of the season, with manager Roy Hodgson trying everything to get the best out of the team but to no avail.
The likes of Christian Benteke, Jordan Ayew, and Alexander Sorloth have struggled to make an impact. Palace should consider a move for Rafael Santos Borre because his electric pace combined with his link-up play are attributes that would suit Palace’s counter-attacking approach.
However, what could be a small issue is the fact that the 23-year-old is not the strongest player in the world. That could be a problem initially but Santos Borre could follow Wilfried Zaha’s example, who bulked up after his move back to Selhurst Park.
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Conclusion
Crystal Palace
If not Rafael Santos Borre, the Eagles really need to look elsewhere. Otherwise, they could face the prospect of getting relegated next season.
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Sign Spanish Defender Andrea Medina From Atletico Madrid on Three Year Deal
Manchester United have completed the signing of Spanish full-back Andrea Medina from Atletico Madrid on a three year contract with an optional additional year.
The 22-year-old Seville-born defender arrives after four years at the Spanish club where she made over 100 appearances across all competitions.
Medina developed through Real Betis youth ranks before establishing herself at Atletico Madrid’s first team. She brings genuine pedigree accumulated through multiple trophy-winning campaigns at La Liga level. The defender has represented Spain at various youth levels including Under-23, winning two UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championships and the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Young Talent Brings Spanish Development Pathway
Medina expressed genuine enthusiasm about joining Manchester United, describing the club’s history and supporter passion as genuinely compelling. She highlighted how competing against United last season provided insights into their collective strength and ambition level. The defender demonstrated maturity in recognising the intensity required for English football success.
Her comments suggest authentic buy-in rather than contractual convenience. She specifically referenced supporter passion from Madrid’s away contingent as motivating factor, indicating genuine appreciation for competitive environments and supporter connection.
United Strengthen Defensive Options Early
Medina becomes Manchester United’s first summer signing as they begin rebuilding under their coaching structure. The defender’s arrival provides tactical depth while continuing their Spanish market focus established through previous recruitment success.
This signing feels strategically sound rather than headline-grabbing. Medina arrives established yet still developing, combining immediate quality with significant upside. United clearly identify defensive reinforcement as priority, suggesting confidence in their overall competitive direction moving forward.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is preparing an aggressive transfer approach for Julian Alvarez after the Argentine confirmed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
Alvarez’s representatives reiterated his exit wish to Atletico on May 25, triggering a scramble involving Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG. Atletico demand £130 million for the 26-year-old World Cup winner who has scored 48 goals in 104 appearances since joining from Manchester City for £82 million in 2024.
The Arsenal Case is Compelling
Berta knows Alvarez personally, having overseen his Atletico move from City. That relationship matters enormously in modern football transfers. Arsenal need a forward desperately. Viktor Gyokeres cost a fortune and flopped.
The Premier League title demands elite attacking reinforcement heading into a potential dynasty building phase. Alvarez scored 29 goals in 54 appearances this season. He is exactly what Arsenal lack and everyone knows it.
The Complications Are Real
Atletico rejected Barcelona’s approach involving Ferran Torres plus cash without hesitation. Simeone publicly acknowledged Arsenal interest while insisting the decision belongs to Alvarez alone.
The Argentine’s contract runs until 2030, giving Atletico enormous negotiating power. Alvarez reportedly prefers Barcelona if he leaves but the Catalans genuinely cannot afford £130 million in the current financial climate.
PSG potentially could but chose to focus transfer budget elsewhere after their Champions League triumph.
Arsenal Can Win This
Alvarez will only consider returning to England if the club is based in London. Arsenal are the only London option among serious suitors.
That geographical preference combined with Berta’s existing relationship and Premier League champion status makes Arsenal realistic frontrunners despite the enormous fee. Arteta needs a 20 plus goal striker immediately. Alvarez is a 20 plus goal striker. The logic writes itself. Arsenal should spend whatever it takes.
Arsenal travels to the BayArena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites after finishing top of the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, while the German side scraped through via the playoff route with victory over Olympiacos.
Mikel Arteta’s side were absolutely flawless in the league phase, with victories over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrating their credentials. Arsenal boasted both the best attack, with 23 goals scored, and the best defence, with just four conceded, across those eight matches. The winners progress to a quarter final where they cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern, or Manchester City.
Kick-off: 17:45 GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: TNT Sports
Saliba, Odegaard and White Doubts for Arsenal
The biggest concerns for Arsenal are William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, who are all doubts after missing the weekend FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town. Saliba’s ankle problem looks the most serious while Odegaard continues managing a knee issue. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn with issues over the weekend.
The positive news is David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes all returning after being rested for Mansfield. Piero Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club this week.
Leverkusen Missing Seven Key Players
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick through various injuries. This is a massive blow for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who have won just one of their last five matches. Christian Kofane should lead the line with Jarell Quansah starting in defence.
Former Denmark boss Hjulmand has steadied the ship domestically, with Leverkusen unbeaten in six home matches, conceding just one goal in 540 minutes at the BayArena.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich, Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba, Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Maza, Terrier, Kofane
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
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