Atletico Madrid are in talks with Manchester City over a possible move for Julian Alvarez.
The Spanish club are keen to sign Alvarez, with discussions centred around a potential €55million (£46.8m) deal plus bonuses, bringing the total package to €70m (£59m). However, these figures fall short of City’s demands, with the Premier League side asking for £70m plus a further £20m in add-ons. Atletico are pessimistic about reaching an agreement under these conditions.
Atletico have also recently confirmed the signing of forward Alexander Sorloth, but they are keen on recruiting Alvarez in addition to the Norway international.
The Athletic previously reported that Alvarez has attracted interest from several clubs, and he would be open to a move.
He has been competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the men’s football tournament for his country — Argentina. Before their 2-0 win against Ukraine, Alvarez said he would make a decision on his club future after the Games.
“There is a lot of talk,” he said.”I am focused here (at the Olympics) because it is a short tournament. At Manchester City I feel very good, I played a lot of minutes.
“But we will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.”
City manager Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, recently spoke about the speculation regarding Alvarez’s future.
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“I read that he’s going to think about it. OK, think about it,” he said. “Then he will inform us what he wants to do. Julian played a lot. He wants more? It’s fine. So that’s why (he wants to) think about it. And when he thinks about it, he will inform us.”
Alvarez featured in 54 appearances across all competitions for City last season, scoring 19 goals and assisting 13 times.
The 24-year-old joined City from River Plate in January 2022 for €17m (£14m) and signed a one-year contract extension last March until 2028.
He played a key role in Guardiola’s side lifting an historic treble in 2022-23, having won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Alvarez also starred in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as he helped guide Argentina to lift the trophy. He has also won the Copa America twice and been capped on 36 occasions.
(MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
