Atletico Madrid are monitoring Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a potential replacement should Julian Alvarez leave the Spanish club before the transfer window closes.
Alvarez future uncertain
Alvarez's future has been a central topic throughout the summer, with the Argentine expressing a desire to leave and skipping training this week. Barcelona are his preferred destination, but Atletico are refusing to sell to their La Liga rivals.
The only apparent exit route is Arsenal, who retain interest, though the £100m-plus price tag could prove an obstacle. Any move would likely materialise in the final days of the window, prompting Atletico to consider United's out-of-favour Dutchman as a replacement.
Zirkzee's struggles at United
According to the Daily Mail, Atletico are tracking Zirkzee's situation, with the striker poised to move on in the coming days. Juventus have been heavily linked throughout the window, but Fiorentina now appear to lead the race for a possible loan move.
Zirkzee's best form came in Italy with Bologna, which led United to sign him two summers ago. However, he has struggled for goals, and the club has since invested heavily in their frontline, adding Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo, pushing Zirkzee down the pecking order.
Marcus Rashford has also returned to Old Trafford after 18 months away. He came off the bench in the opening-day defeat at Hull and appears to be ahead of Zirkzee in Michael Carrick's plans.
Atletico's stance
Since moving to Manchester for £36.5 million, Zirkzee has scored just nine times in two seasons, including two goals last term.
Atletico have relied on Alvarez as their main attacking threat, but would still possess quality even if he leaves. Diego Simeone has options including Norwegian Alexander Sorloth and former Atalanta man Ademola Lookman.
Club CEO Gil Marin has insisted Alvarez will not move to Barcelona. He told Spanish media: "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."
