Man Utd make direct contact for Julian Alvarez as Spurs pursue Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have reportedly made direct contact to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to a Sports Mole report published on 25 June 2026. The same report adds that Arsenal and Barcelona are also interested. Separately, Sports Mole says Tottenham Hotspur have hatched an "extraordinary plan" to beat Manchester United to the signing of Mateus Fernandes.

What the reports say

Sports Mole's transfer pieces state that United have initiated direct contact over Alvarez, who is named as an Atletico Madrid striker. The article does not include quotes from clubs, agents or the player, nor does it detail fee figures or a timeline for any potential move. The Tottenham story characterises Spurs' approach for Mateus Fernandes as an "extraordinary plan" aimed at beating United, but the report does not outline the method or terms involved.

Why it matters

If Manchester United are actively contacting Atletico Madrid over Julian Alvarez, that would signal concrete interest in adding a recognised striker to their summer business. Interest from high-profile rivals — specifically Arsenal and Barcelona, as reported — raises the stakes, potentially accelerating negotiations and influencing Atletico's response. Tottenham's reported manoeuvre over Mateus Fernandes suggests competition for midfield/attacking talent between top Premier League clubs in this window.

• Sports Mole reports Man Utd have made 'direct contact' to sign Julian Alvarez (published 25 June 2026).
• The same report says Arsenal and Barcelona are also interested in Alvarez.
• A separate Sports Mole report claims Tottenham have an 'extraordinary plan' to beat Man Utd for Mateus Fernandes.

What we do not know yet

The available reports do not confirm any completed transfer, official offers, player preference, transfer fees, contract length, or any statements from Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Mateus Fernandes, or Alvarez. The precise nature of Tottenham's 'plan' is not disclosed in the source summary provided.

How this could affect the transfer window

Should United step up formal negotiations for Alvarez, Arsenal and Barcelona interest could turn any move into a multi-club contest, potentially driving up the price or forcing United to accelerate their recruitment plans elsewhere. Tottenham's reported pursuit of Fernandes indicates that Premier League clubs remain active and competitive in trying to secure targets early in the window; however, without confirmed offers or responses from the selling clubs, the situation remains fluid.

What happens next

At this stage the story requires further verification. Readers should look for official club announcements or reliable confirmation of offers, completed deals, or agent/player statements. Expect follow-up reporting that clarifies whether Manchester United's contact becomes a formal bid, how Atletico respond, and whether Spurs' reported plan for Mateus Fernandes materialises into a concrete approach.