Julian Alvarez has decided where he wants to go as Man Utd seek to sign striker

Julian Alvarez has decided where he wants to go as Manchester United seek to bring him in this summer.

United are seeking to reinforce the forward line to provide more competition for Benjamin Sesko especially with more games next season in the Champions League.

But Alvarez is clear in his head that he wants to stay in Spain and his preferred team is Barcelona.

His relationship has broken down with the board at Atletico Madrid who have made him their star player and have been building the side around him.

And at Atletico his comments to media in the mixed zone after Argentina's last game went down very badly when he explicitly said he wanted to leave.

"I don't think it's the right moment to talk, but I also don't want to hide. I try to be an honest person," he said.

"I spoke with the people at [Atletico] who I needed to speak with. I think the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream."

It has created an extremely complicated situation as Atletico have no intention of selling Alvarez to a direct rival in LaLiga and and the board also has a poor relationship with Barcelona.

United have joined the hunt for Alvarez having spoken with the his agent and it is also known that Atletico are interested in several players like Diogo Dalot.

Arsenal are also chasing the player as are Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid failed with a bid around £130m for Alvarez earlier this month, after Barcelona prompted Atleti's wrath for what the capital city club deemed an inappropriate transfer pursuit.

Atleti insist that the only way Alvarez leaves for Camp Nou is if Barca trigger his €500m (£431m) release clause.

"Whoever wants Julian Alvarez come, pay the contract and if they want then take him," said Atletico President Enrique Cerezo.

While Atletico appear to be more inclined to sell to a foreign team, Alvarez is not keen on a move abroad to PSG or the Premier League after his time at Manchester City.

While he did not do badly at City he failed to hold down a regular first team place and that was the reason why he insisted on leaving and heading to Atletico.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Alvarez, with Mikel Arteta reportedly weighing up making a move for the World Cup winner last summer before plumping for Viktor Gyokeres.

But United do hold an ace in that Atletico maybe tempted by a player exchange plus cash.

Currently there appears to be an impasse but if Alvarez's relationship with Atletico has broken down completely then they may be forced to sell and United could now be well placed to sign him.