Arsenal get Julian Alvarez boost as Atletico identify Man Utd target as replacement | Football

Atletico Madrid have enquired into a move for Victor Osimhen as a possible replacement for Arsenal target Julian Alvarez.

The future of the Argentina international is already shaping up to be one of the transfer sagas of the summer with Atletico furious with Barcelona’s public pursuit of their player.

Los Colchoneros blasted the Catalan giants last week in a series of social media posts with reports claiming they will do everything in their power to block a potential move to the Camp Nou.

Arsenal however are also interested in the former Manchester City star with AS reporting this week they plan to open talks over a move very soon. The Premier League champions have already been in contact with Alvarez’s agent with another option up top among their priorities this summer.

Atletico are determined to hold onto the World Cup winner but AS also report they have begun looking at possible replacements.

Osimhen is one option with the Spanish side enquiring into the Galatasaray’s star availability. The Nigeria international has just finished his second full season in Turkey but remains a target of interest for a number of clubs across Europe.

The report names Manchester United as one of those sides still monitoring the former Napoli star, with Michael Carrick’s side hoping to sign another striker to compete alongside Benjamin Sesko next season.

The 27-year-old joined Gala on a permanent deal last summer for £65million, scoring 22 goals in 33 appearances in the 2025-26 season.

Comments from Nigeria manager Eric Chelle recently caused a stir when he suggested Osimhen had been left out of the national team squad for friendly matches against Portugal and Poland due to a possible transfer.

‘He had maybe to change a club, so I prefer that he stays, because if you play and you are not at hundred percent, this is not good,’  Chelle said.

Osimhen later clarified however: ‘Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion,’ Osimhen posted on Instagram.

‘He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.

‘I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.

‘He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.’

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