Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, according to The Athletic reporter Sam Lee.
Writing in his section for the website’s ‘Transfer DealSheet’, Lee mentioned the Gunners (as well as Bayern Munich) as potential suitors for the Argentinian international, along with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Blues and PSG’s interest was well-documented but the fact that Lee claims other clubs are now involved, including City’s biggest title rivals, suggests the battle for Alvarez’s signature could intensify.
The forward is said to be unsettled at the Etihad Stadium, with the 24-year-old reportedly keen for a more central role in Pep Guardiola’s first-team plans.
Despite starting 39 games (and scoring 19 goals) in all competitions last campaign, Alvarez had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland for starts in his favoured No.9 position.
What has Alvarez said about his future?
Speaking before the start of the Copa America, the Argentine claimed that he was not angling for a move away from the Cityzens:
“These are things that are said, but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy at City; we will see what happens.”
However, Lee has contradicted those remarks, insisting that Alvarez “has been open to a move for several months”.
Will the striker leave City this summer?
A lot will depend on the strength of interest from other clubs and how much they are willing to pay for Alvarez. Journalist Fabrizio Romano says the only “concrete” approach has come from PSG so far.
They are believed to have held talks with the forward’s agents, but they haven’t gone forward and made a formal offer yet.
Alvarez, himself, is said to prefer a transfer to Real Madrid but, up until now, the European champions have not expressed any interest. We shall see whether Arsenal press ahead with their own attempts to sign the player.
