The Weekly Rojiblanco: New kits and the latest gossip

• New kits launch, Griezmann absent from marketing materials

Welcome to the offseason! Atlético Madrid wasted no time in making their first signing of the season—which we wrote about here—and were similarly quick to drop their new kits for 2018/19, too.

The club have continued the recent trend of adding some variation to the traditional red and white stripes, though they seem to have toned it back a bit this year—which may appease some diehards.

However, it is not the kits themselves that have people talking, but rather the absence of a certain French striker from the promotional images. Despite unverified reports earlier in the week that Antoine Griezmann told the club he planned to stay, his omission from the kit launch is a tad concerning.

Then again, it could mean nothing at all. It’s worth remembering Griezmann has a deal with Puma and Atlético’s kits are made by Nike.

• ICYMI: Atlético linked with Vardy and Rondón

French media is also reporting that Atleti has opened negotiations with Monaco to sign midfielder Fabinho, while Swedish media says the mattress makers are courting Leipzig playmaker Emil Forsberg.

• Simeone’s touchline ban appealed

A report from AS suggests that Atlético are set to appeal (again) the four-match ban from European competition that manager Diego Simeone received for his antics against Arsenal in the Europa League semifinal.

A successful appeal would allow Simeone to manage the team in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup against the winners of the Champions League.

• Savic goes under the knife

On Wednesday the club announced that Stefan Savic recently underwent surgery to address a hernia, which kept him out of the midweek friendly against Nigeria. He is expected to recover in time for preseason.

• Speaking of that friendly against Nigeria on Tuesday

Atlético won 3-2, and 18-year-old academy kid Borja Garcés scored the winning goal. It was a peach of a strike.