Manchester United make contact for Arsenal target Julián Alvarez

Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Atlético Madrid striker Julián Alvarez, with fresh claims suggesting the Premier League club have already made contact with the Argentina international's representatives.

The World Cup winner has emerged as one of the biggest names of the summer transfer window after publicly admitting he wants to leave Atlético. Arsenal have tracked Alvarez since last year, while Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with serious interest.

Now, Manchester United have reportedly joined the growing list of admirers.

According to Spanish journalist Marcos Durán, Manchester United have held direct talks with Alvarez's agent as they assess the possibility of a blockbuster transfer.

The report claims the Red Devils believe their return to the Champions League and improved financial position could allow them to compete for one of Europe's most sought-after forwards.

An interesting detail is the suggestion that Manchester United could attempt to reduce Atlético's asking price by including one of their own players as part of the deal.

Durán also states Atlético have already held discussions regarding one unnamed Manchester United player, although no further details have been provided.

Arsenal's interest in Alvarez is far from new.

The Gunners attempted to sign the striker last summer before seeing their approach rejected, and they continue to be linked with another move.

Recent reports from Spain have suggested Atlético would be more willing to sell Alvarez to Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain than direct rivals Barcelona, largely because both clubs are capable of meeting the Spanish side's reported valuation.

Barcelona remain the player's preferred destination, but financial restrictions continue to complicate any potential move to Camp Nou.

Despite the latest claims, a move to Manchester United appears difficult at this stage.

Atlético Madrid have consistently maintained that Alvarez is not for sale, although reports suggest any negotiations would only begin at around €150million.

That alone would represent one of the biggest transfers in football history.

There are also sporting considerations.

Manchester United strengthened their attack with the signing of Benjamin Šeško last summer, making it questionable whether another major investment at centre-forward is the club's immediate priority.

With several other positions still requiring reinforcement, committing such a substantial fee to Alvarez would represent a significant shift in strategy.

For now, Manchester United's reported contact appears to have added another layer to one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas, but Arsenal and Barcelona still appear better placed should Atlético eventually sanction a sale.

Much will depend on whether Atlético Madrid soften their public stance on Alvarez's future. If the striker pushes harder for a move, interest from England is expected to intensify, although Barcelona remain his preferred destination.

Manchester United's reported contact may represent an exploratory move rather than the start of formal negotiations, with Arsenal still among the clubs best positioned to act should Atlético become willing to sell.

Would Julián Alvarez transform Manchester United's attack, or should the Red Devils prioritise strengthening other areas of their squad instead?