Julian Alvarez swap deal explored with Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez is at the centre of fresh transfer talks after making it clear that he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

The Argentina forward has attracted interest from several major European clubs.

Barcelona remain his preferred destination, but Atletico have already rejected an £87 million offer from their La Liga rivals.

Manchester United have also monitored the situation.

The club previously contacted Alvarez’s representatives to learn more about a possible deal.

United have made midfield their main priority this summer.

They have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while work continues on a third midfield addition.

However, Michael Carrick’s side have not ruled out signing an attacker.

United have held talks over other forward targets, including Crysencio Summerville, as they continue to assess the market.

Alvarez remains one of the biggest names who could move before the window closes.

Although his name has been linked with the Red Devils, it is another Premier League side who has explored a swap deal to sign him.

Julian Alvarez transfer talks take unexpected twist

According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have discussed using Viktor Gyokores in a possible swap deal for Alvarez.

The talks remain at an early stake.

Atletico hold an interest in Gyokores, but Arsenal have not yet decided whether they are willing to sell the Sweden international.

No formal agreement exists between the clubs.

Atletico have taken a firm stance over their striker.

The Spanish club also rejected a £129 million bid from Real Madrid earlier this summer.

They have pointed interested teams towards Alvarez’s £432 million release clause.

That figure makes a standard transfer difficult, which explains why Arsenal have explored a player-plus-cash option.

The former Manchester City star remains one of Europe’s most complete forwards.

He can score, create chances and press defenders with intensity.

In 52 club appearances last summer, he scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists.

The Argentine also played a key role in his country’s run to the World Cup final.

For now, Arsenal’s proposal is only exploratory.

However, Gyokores could give Diego Simeone’s side a ready-made replacement if talks become more serious.