The 2026-27 Champions League league-phase draw has been completed, with Arsenal drawn against Real Madrid, Barcelona set to face Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, and Manchester United paired with Bayern Munich. Liverpool and Aston Villa are also among the English clubs involved, while the full fixture list, including dates and kick-off times, will be announced by Saturday, 29 August at the latest.
Barcelona will also meet Manchester City, giving Rodri a swift reunion with his former club after the Spain midfielder made his debut for the Catalan side as a substitute in their 2-0 win over Athletic Club at Camp Nou.
Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored for Barcelona, who secured successive victories with the result. Kevin De Bruyne will also face Manchester City after Napoli were drawn in the same pot as the Premier League champions.
“I don’t like playing against Manchester City; they will always be my team,” said De Bruyne, who will return to face the club where he played alongside many of his current opponents.
Manchester United chief executive Berrada said the club expects the Bayern Munich contest to be among the highlights of the league phase and is targeting every available trophy after the draw.
Alvarez transfer uncertainty continues
Atletico Madrid’s board has unanimously backed the club’s decision not to negotiate Julian Alvarez’s proposed transfer to FC Barcelona.
The forward has also missed a second consecutive Atletico training session because of ‘illness’, a development which has increased speculation that Arsenal could make another attempt to sign him. Alvarez is reportedly considering making a public statement about the transfer situation.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking before his side’s Premier League visit to Aston Villa, refused to discuss the Argentina forward.
“I won’t discuss Alvarez; I never ask players to publicly declare their desire to join,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s match at Villa comes in the second round of the Premier League.
Liverpool and Tottenham complete deals
Liverpool have signed Paris Saint-Germain striker Bradley Barcola for a total transfer fee of £120m, according to a report by David Ornstein on 27 August.
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the arrival of Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush on a season-long loan. The agreement includes an obligation to make the move permanent, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the overall value of the deal is £60m.
Chelsea have also agreed a verbal deal with Aston Villa for Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano. Romano has further reported that Nicolas Jackson will move from Chelsea to Aston Villa in a completed £65m deal.
Jackson has developed a reputation at Chelsea for missing clear opportunities and being an unreliable finisher. However, his record has prompted debate over whether other leading clubs have been too quick to overlook the Senegalese striker.
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea on a contract running until June 2031. Romano says the transfer will cost £50m, including add-ons.
Southampton could be set for a reunion with midfielder James Ward-Prowse. Florian Plettenberg reports that the player might return to his parent club, with Southampton and his current club beginning negotiations.
More confirmed moves
FC Barcelona have announced the signing of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Fenerbahce. The two clubs have agreed a fee of €2m, with a further €2m available in potential add-ons, according to Romano.
Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has left the club and become a free agent.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso guided his side into the third round of the EFL Cup as Danny Welbeck scored on his debut in a 2-0 victory over a stubborn Luton Town team.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique defended his decision to give Ousmane Dembele additional rest before Friday’s Ligue 1 trip to Lille.
Manchester City supporters have been introduced to Allan Elias, who was nicknamed ‘Mini Balotelli’ as a child because of a bleached-blonde mohawk inspired by his boyhood hero Neymar. The description has left some City fans amused, while others may be cautious about what to expect.
Matteo Guendouzi’s confrontational character was again on display in an incident which developed into a brawl during a match. The former Arsenal player was previously involved in a bitter dispute with Mikel Arteta.
Another former Arsenal player has also spoken after a separate violent confrontation that included karate kicks and punches in a tunnel, underlining the intensity and disorder that football matches can sometimes provoke.
Friday’s newspaper reports also include claims that Manchester City are confident of signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
