Arsenal have been linked with a move for Julian Alvarez, though Manchester United now appear to be interested in signing the Atletico Madrid star
Manchester United have reportedly made direct contact with the representatives of Arsenal target Julian Alvarez. The transfer speculation surrounding the Atletico Madrid forward has intensified recently following his explosive comments regarding a departure, an angry statement directed at Barcelona and the rejection of two substantial bids.
Both offers originated from Atletico’s La Liga rivals, with Real Madrid publicly confirming their €150million (£129m) proposal was declined, while Barcelona also had a huge bid turned down. In a bid to engineer a move away, Alvarez made quite the claim while on World Cup duty with Argentina.
Speaking to ESPN, he said: “The best thing for me is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream. I don’t want to hide or act like I don’t want to be clear. I try to be honest. I spoke to Atletico people and I think the best for everyone involved is for me to leave.”
Recent reports emerging from Spain suggest that Diego Simeone’s outfit have no desire to enter negotiations with Barcelona over Alvarez.
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This appeared to leave Arsenal as frontrunners for his services, but United have now entered the fray. According to Diario AS journalist Marcos Duran, United have held discussions with Alvarez’s agent after monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation.
He has further stated that United possess funds to invest now they’ve secured Champions League qualification, with his impressive displays at fierce rivals Manchester City clearly influencing their thinking.
The Argentine netted 36 goals in 103 outings at the Etihad Stadium, though he frequently found himself in the shadow of Erling Haaland. Since departing, he has emerged as Atletico’s key man, which accounts for the substantial interest in him.
After bolstering their attack considerably last summer, Michael Carrick and his team are prioritising midfield reinforcements ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
A deal has already been agreed for Ederson to join from Atalanta, while West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes remains a firm target.
Tottenham have now entered the chase for his signature and United are facing serious competition from Roberto De Zerbi’s outfit, who look better positioned to satisfy the Hammers’ valuation and meet Fernandes’ salary expectations.
Arsenal have also been associated with the Portuguese midfielder but now seem more intent on pursuing Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimaraes.
His club colleague Sandro Tonali is drawing attention from both north London sides as well, with the Italian favouring the Gunners while remaining receptive to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
