Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez’s “first-choice destination” is Real Madrid, according to The Athletic reporter Sam Lee.
The reliable journalist has confirmed that the Argentinian international is “open” to leaving the Etihad but, despite his interest in joining Real, the European champions are not expected to make a move for him:
“Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, PSG and Chelsea, and that tallies with last week’s DealSheet [column] suggestion that, were he to leave this summer, City would seek a replacement.”
“The Argentinian has been open to a move for several months, although his first-choice destination – Real Madrid – is not going to happen this summer, at least. He is thought to want more first-team football”.
What has Alvarez said about his future?
The 24-year-old spoke out at the weekend to address the transfer speculation. He said he is not unsettled at City but he did leave the door open to a potential transfer:
“These are things that are said, but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy at City; we will see what happens.”
Will City let the forward leave?
The president of one of the clubs interested in Alvarez, Atletico Madrid’s Enrique Cerezo, has recently stated that Alvarez “won’t be moving clubs” this summer.
That would suggest Atletico were rebuffed by City when making an enquiry about the striker. However, other reports have suggested that the Premier League champions could be open to selling if they receive an offer in the region of £80m.
With Lee suggesting that the club are already looking out for a “replacement”, it appears that Alvarez could well be on the move in the coming weeks if a team manages to match their valuation of the player. It’s certainly a story to keep an eye on.
