Premier League Rival Joins the Race for Julian Alvarez as Transfer Saga Unfolds
The future of Julian Alvarez appears set to be a persistent distraction for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola as they gear up for the new season. Recent reports suggest that a Premier League rival has entered the fray, adding another layer to the transfer saga surrounding the Argentine striker.
Sources at MEN Sport indicate that Atletico Madrid approached City shortly after Argentina and Alvarez’s exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, PSG is reportedly keeping an eye on the situation without making any official moves. Adding to the intrigue, Arsenal is now said to be considering a bid for the 24-year-old forward.
The Gunners, known for their cautious spending, have already invested in Riccardo Calafiori and secured the permanent transfer of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford this summer. Typically, Arsenal would shy away from City’s reported £80 million asking price for Alvarez. However, with the sale of forwards Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson on the horizon and manager Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Alvarez, Arsenal might make an exception to strengthen their title bid. Alvarez wouldn’t be the first City player to switch allegiances, following in the footsteps of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.
Despite the swirling rumors, Guardiola’s recent comments after City’s 4-2 win over Chelsea in their final pre-season match in the US suggest a firm stance on Alvarez’s future. Guardiola aimed to smooth over his previous sharp remarks about the striker, stating, “He’s absolutely our player. He will come back. I count on him. But he said in the news, and decisions will be made all together. I’m sure when he comes back, I’ll hug and congratulate him for the Copa America, for the Olympics, and we will start to work together. This is the reality.”
In 103 appearances for City, Alvarez has netted 36 goals, with 20 in the Premier League, and provided 18 assists. Last season, he proved vital in City’s successful campaign, especially during Erling Haaland’s injury absences. Haaland’s recent injury scare in the US, followed by his hat-trick against Chelsea, underscores the importance of retaining a player of Alvarez’s caliber.
Alvarez had previously expressed his frustration while on international duty, saying, “Last season, I was one of the players with the most minutes at City. But in the end, you don’t like being left out of important matches; you want to contribute. I’ll take my time to think about what I want for myself. We will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.”
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Alvarez will remain a key part of Guardiola’s plans or if one of the interested clubs will meet City’s demands and lure the striker away.
