Julian Alvarez faces an increasingly uncertain future at Manchester City despite playing such a key role in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arsenal appear to have dented Chelsea’s chances of signing Julian Alvarez. The 24-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Enzo Maresca hopes to bolster the Blues’ frontline.
According to various news outlets Chelsea are keen to sign a new centre-forward, but they won’t pay what they deem to be ‘over the odds’ or ‘panic buy’ as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Alvarez, who sees his contract at the Etihad Stadium expire in 2028, featured 36 times in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists.
Playing a crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s side, he helped Manchester City win a fourth successive top-flight title.
The Argentina international also helped the club win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time, netting a brace against Fluminense in the final.
Following his impressive
Performances, Alvarez has reportedly courted interest from some top clubs in Europe. In fact, according to HITC, Arsenal have now joined Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in the race to sign the frontman.
The report states that Mikel Arteta sees Alvarez as the ‘perfect’ striker for the Gunners, who resorted to playing Kai Havertz up front towards the end of last term. Earlier this week, The Athletic revealed that Man City will demand roughly £60m plus around £17m in add-ons for his signature.
Despite uncertainty over his future, Alvarez insisted he’s happy at the club while away on international duty at the Copa America. Speaking to ESPN in June, as quoted by the Evening Standard, the Argentine said: “These are things that are said, but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy at City; we will see what happens.”
In September 2023, Guardiola heaped tremendous praise on Alvarez. The Spaniard said: “Really good – all the actions are really good and so quick. The assist from Erling was really good
“He is so young. What a signing the club have done. He has everything – fighting and goals and assists. Incredible, lovely guy. Playing behind Erling he is an incredible threat. Really pleased for him, he deserves it.”
Then, in February 2024, Guardiola showered Alvarez with even more praise, branding him an ‘extraordinary player’. The Spaniard said: “Julian is amazing so he’s an extraordinary player and many things help us. Really good, so very pleased for his birthday, not just for the goals, the many things he does.”
