Atletico eye Zirkzee as Alvarez exit looms over United

Atletico Madrid have placed Joshua Zirkzee on their radar as a potential signing, should Julian Alvarez depart the Spanish capital before the transfer window closes, reports Samuel Meade, Sports Brand Writer, at 11:58 on 29 Aug 2026. United paid £36.5 million for the Dutch striker, who has netted nine times in two seasons.

Atletico Madrid are keeping tabs on Joshua Zirkzee as they map out a contingency plan for the striker position. The Spanish club, competing in La Liga, have noted his performances and the report even labels the footage ImagesJoshua Zirkzee.

Julian Alvarez’s future has dominated summer headlines, with the Argentine skipping training this week to signal a desire to leave. While Barcelona remain his preferred destination, Atletico have publicly ruled out selling him to their La Liga rivals.

United’s striker surplus

Manchester United signed Zirkzee for £36.5 million two summers ago, yet he has managed only nine goals in two seasons, including just two last term. United have since bolstered their attack with Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, pushing the Dutchman down the pecking order. United(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) shows he now sits behind Marcus Rashford in Michael Carrick’s assessment. Utd have also seen Rashford return to the starting XI. Man United hope the move will free up space.

Potential exit routes

Arsenal retain an interest, but a price tag north of £100 million could stall any deal. Juventus have been linked throughout the window, while Fiorentina appear to be leading the race for a possible loan move.

Atletico CEO Gil Marín declared, “I’ve been in the football world for more than 30 years. My word is one of the few things I have. As long as I am CEO, Julian Alvarez will not be transferred to FC Barcelona. That is absolutely certain.”

Should Alvarez depart, Simeone’s options include Norwegian Alexander Sorloth and former Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, but Zirkzee would provide a familiar Premier League profile. The club believes his experience could ease the transition for the attacking line.

For United, moving Zirkzee could free wages and allow the squad to focus on newer signings, while Atletico secure a ready-made replacement should their Argentine star exit. Both sides stand to benefit if the late‑window negotiations materialise.