Atletico Madrid looking at former Man United forward as Barcelona target’s replacement | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez may have received an important boost after Atletico Madrid began assessing possible replacements for the Argentine forward.

According to SPORT, the Madrid club is already exploring alternatives in the market, with Olympique Marseille attacker Mason Greenwood emerging as a player admired by Diego Simeone. 

The development is significant because Atletico have consistently maintained that they do not intend to part ways with Alvarez this summer.

However, circumstances could eventually force a change in stance.

Notably, the Argentine striker has already communicated his desire to seek a new challenge, while Barcelona continue to view him as their preferred option to lead the attack in the post-Robert Lewandowski era.

Atletico Madrid looking beyond Julian Alvarez

Despite their public position, Atletico Madrid understand the importance of preparing for every scenario, which explains why Mason Greenwood has appeared on the club’s shortlist.

Atletico see Greenwood as Julian Alvarez replacement. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

At Atletico, the 24-year-old former Manchester United forward is regarded as a player capable of filling the void should Alvarez depart. 

Reports suggest that Mateu Alemany collected detailed information regarding a potential operation back in May, with Manchester United still retaining 40% of the player’s rights.

As such, Simeone is believed to be a strong supporter of Greenwood’s profile, especially now that Antoine Griezmann and Nico Gonzalez have departed, while the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez has only increased the need for reinforcements.

Interestingly, Simeone sees Greenwood less as a winger and more as a central attacking option, a role in which he believes the Englishman could thrive.

At this stage, though, any move remains dependent on Alvarez’s future.

Laporta committed to bringing Alvarez to Barcelona

Barcelona are committed to signing Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The Julian Alvarez Barcelona story continues to gather momentum, with Joan Laporta refusing to hide his admiration for the World Cup winner.

The Barcelona president has already admitted that an offer was made for the striker, but Atletico were unwilling to negotiate because they lacked suitable alternatives.

“Atletico know about this offer; We understand that he does not sell because he has no alternatives. When I have them, if this offer is in force, we would be interested,” Laporta said recently.

Now, the emergence of Greenwood as a potential replacement becomes relevant.

While Atletico Madrid remain reluctant sellers, securing a replacement would remove one of the biggest obstacles preventing a deal from progressing.