- Atlético Madrid are trying to move ahead of Juventus in the pursuit of Lyon full-back Nicolás Tagliafico
- Julián Álvarez is to remain at Atlético Madrid until at least January after the club refused to approve a move to Barcelona
- Lyon must still agree a deal with either Atlético Madrid or Juventus for Tagliafico
Atlético Enter the Tagliafico Race
Atlético Madrid are attempting to overtake Juventus in the competition to sign Lyon full-back Nicolás Tagliafico (34).
Tagliafico had already agreed to join Juventus, with that move depending on the Turin club completing Juan Cabal’s switch to Atalanta. However, the Argentina international is also reported to have approved a move to Atlético Madrid, leaving Lyon to negotiate an agreement with one of the interested clubs before any transfer can be completed.
🚨🔴⚪️ Atlético Madrid are trying to hijack Juventus move for Nicolás Tagliafico.
Negotiations ongoing and approach made as Juve agreed all terms but need Juan Cabal to leave.
Atléti, on it as @rubenuria reports. pic.twitter.com/iiUu9ZCwND
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2026
The defender remains contracted to Lyon until June 2027. Since arriving from Ajax four years ago, he has become an important figure for the club, making 134 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering 13 assists. Tagliafico featured 30 times last season and finished his 2025-26 campaign with three assists.
International Pedigree and Recent Role
At international level, Tagliafico has 83 caps for Argentina. He was an important player in the Albiceleste side that won the World Cup in 2022 and was again chosen by Lionel Scaloni for this summer’s World Cup.
| Player | Current club | Status | Key figures and details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolás Tagliafico (34) | Olympique Lyonnais | Wanted by Atlético Madrid and Juventus | Contract until June 2027; 134 appearances, nine goals and 13 assists for Lyon; 30 appearances last season; three assists in the 2025-26 campaign; 83 Argentina caps |
| Julián Álvarez | Atlético Madrid | Set to stay until at least January | Barcelona move not sanctioned; strong summer interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal; has rejected other destinations by relying on his contract |
Álvarez Remains at the Metropolitano
Julián Álvarez is to stay at Atlético Madrid until at least January after the club declined to authorise a transfer to Barcelona.
The Argentina forward had several offers during the summer, including particularly strong interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, but he has chosen to remain at the Metropolitano.
That decision is likely connected to the possibility of pursuing Barcelona again in future transfer windows, as Álvarez is not inclined to join the other clubs that have been linked with him.
