Alderweireld and Guilavogui arrive at Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid have strengthened their squad with the signing of defender Toby Alderweireld from AFC Ajax and AS Saint-Étienne midfielder Josuha Guilavogui for a reported combined total of €17m.

A product of Ajax's youth-team setup, the versatile Alderweireld scored seven goals in 128 top-flight games for the Dutch champions and arrives at the Vicente Calderón on a four-year contract. After completing his move to the Liga side, the Belgian international said he was looking forward to teaming up with his compatriot, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, at the two-time UEFA Europa League winners.

"[Thibaut] told me about Atlético's interest in me and explained that this is a fantastic team with great fans," the 24-year-old said. "He recommended that I come as he is really happy here. I wanted to sign for one of the best clubs in Europe so I am delighted to now form part of this team."

Central midfielder Guilavogui, meanwhile, has penned a five-year contract with Los Rojiblancos. The 22-year-old – who made his senior international debut for France in a 1-0 friendly defeat away to Uruguay in June – said he was keen to help Atlético build upon recent success. "I'm really happy to arrive at a club as big as this," he said. "I will look to make a big effort and to work hard so that Atlético can win more trophies in the next few years."

Diego Simeone's side begin their UEFA Champions League Group G campaign at home to FC Zenit on 18 September before back-to-back trips to FC Porto and FK Austria Wien.