Real Madrid at home, Bayern away, Napoli away — those are the three genuine tests. The rest of that draw is very manageable. Arsenal should qualify comfortably. The real question is what seed they come out with.
🔴 Arsenal #UCL fixtures. Last season's finalists face Real, Bayern and Dortmund in another tough draw:
H: Real Madrid
A: Bayern
H: Dortmund
A: Real Betis
H: Lille
A: Napoli
H: Sabah
A: Slavia Praha
Arsenal's eight Champions League opponents are in. Real Madrid come to the Emirates — easily the pick of the draw. Two opponents from each seeding pot, one home and one away from each.
Bruno Guimaraes is back in training and in contention for Monday's trip to Aston Villa, though Arsenal are being careful with his workload. He went off at halftime in the Community Shield after picking up a knock.
🚨 Atletico Madrid confirm they will not sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona.
"The members of Atlético de Madrid's Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their absolute support for the club's decision to not negotiate the transfer of Julián Alvarez to FC Barcelona.
"The members of the Board of Directors acknowledge that 'Atlético de Madrid is open to standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner. We fully stand behind the club’s previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will not be any negotiation and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona.'
"Atlético de Madrid trust that our player will understand the decision and will remain focused on helping the club achieve its goals, just as he has done during the two seasons he has been defending our colours."
Arsenal were never really in this one. But with Barcola now settled and Martinelli heading for the exit, the left wing question at the Emirates is still wide open with the window nearly shut.
🚨 BREAKING: Liverpool reach agreement in principle on terms of deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Still details to finalise between #LFC & #PSG but moving fast after breakthrough overnight on package ~£120m, ~£100m fixed @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/HhklnZIifL