Chelsea are reportedly preparing a bid for Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with his role at the Etihad Stadium.
Alvarez, 24, joined City in the summer of 2022 but has found himself primarily playing in a supporting role to Erling Haaland, either coming off the bench or being deployed deeper into midfield to accommodate the Norwegian forward.
According to Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, Alvarez is unhappy with his current situation and is considering his options ahead of the summer transfer window.
While his ideal scenario would be securing a starting position with Manchester City, the presence of Haaland makes this unlikely. Consequently, several clubs are preparing to challenge the Premier League champions’ determination to keep Alvarez.
Chelsea are reportedly gearing up to make an offer for Alvarez. Additionally, Atletico Madrid has expressed admiration for the player, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has included him on their list of potential replacements for Kylian Mbappe, who has officially moved to Real Madrid.
Despite City’s reluctance to sell Alvarez, they have set a price tag of €80 million (£68 million) for the 24-year-old. Under Pep Guardiola’s management, City has maintained a policy of allowing unhappy players to leave if the terms of the deal are favorable for all parties involved.
Alvarez’s former club, River Plate, is also entitled to a share of any future transfer fee, adding another layer of complexity to potential negotiations. Observant Chelsea fans have noticed that midfielder Enzo Fernandez has posted several photos with Alvarez on social media recently.
The two players, who were teammates at River Plate in Argentina, are currently preparing for this summer’s Copa America together.
Following the Copa America, Alvarez is set to participate in the Olympic Games. He has reportedly asked Guardiola for permission to play in the tournament as part of his effort to secure more playing time.
This request underscores his desire to be more active on the field, a goal that may not be achievable at Manchester City given Haaland’s dominance in the forward position.
Alvarez’s situation is indicative of the challenges faced by highly talented players who find themselves in teams with established stars in their preferred positions.
His predicament has attracted the attention of top clubs across Europe, all eager to capitalize on his potential dissatisfaction with his current role. Chelsea, in particular, appears poised to make a significant move, likely viewing Alvarez as a key piece to bolster their attacking options.
The upcoming transfer window will be crucial in determining Alvarez’s future. Whether Manchester City decides to retain him and possibly reconsider his role, or if they opt to cash in on the significant transfer fee he would command, remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that Alvarez’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, and he will be a player to watch in the coming months as clubs maneuver to secure his signature.
