Man Utd could hold key to Arsenal completing Julian Alvarez transfer
Manchester United could help Arsenal's Julian Alvarez ambitions(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Manchester United could hold the key to Arsenal getting a deal over the line for Julian Alvarez as the La Liga side consider a transfer for Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has been widely linked to an Old Trafford exit throughout the summer but remains under the charge of Michael Carrick with just days of the transfer window to go.
Zirkzee has yet to feature in competitive action this term and has been subject to interest from Italy. Juventus have been longtime admirers of the forward, but Fiorentina have looked to lead the race for the former Bologna star.
However, Atletico Madrid are said to be tracking his situation, with Zirkzee set to leave Old Trafford in the coming days, per Mail Online. Should Alvarez depart the Spanish capital, Atletico will require a replacement in the forward line.
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Alvarez returned to training on Sunday, having missed the La Liga side's clash with Sevilla earlier in the weekend after missing a number of sessions. The Argentina international has received a frosty reception from supporters following his push for a move to Barcelona.
Atletico have refused to do business with the Catalan club this summer, going so far as to release a statement on their position. "The members of Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors have unanimously expressed their full support for the club’s decision not to negotiate the transfer of Julian Alvarez to FC Barcelona," Atletico said.
"The members of the Board of Directors are aware that: Atletico Madrid is open to negotiations that are part of the transfer market, but always in an ethical and professional manner and with respect between clubs.
Arsenal are still hopeful of agreeing a deal to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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"We fully support the position previously communicated by the club that FC Barcelona have not met these requirements and, as a result, there have been no negotiations, nor will there be any negotiations with them regarding the transfer of Julián Alvarez.”
Barcelona are now on the verge of adding Gabriel Jesus to their side from Arsenal. The Gunners ace is set to depart for £8.57million, with Arsenal able to receive add-ons if conditions are met.
But Arsenal may still have to convince Alvarez of the merits of a return to England. The former Manchester City star is said to have already told Mikel Arteta he does not want to move to the Emirates, but a transfer has still not been ruled out.
Atletico gave Alvarez a deadline to decide his future by the end of this weekend. With the Gunners seemingly set to confirm three exits in Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Fabio Vieira, they may have opened up room in their squad to facilitate a deal.
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