As per the sources, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has selected his favorite substitute for Julian Alvarez, who is expected to join Atletico Madrid.
Since the summer transfer window opened, the La Liga powerhouses have been linked to Alvarez, and they have a deal in place to sign the World Cup winner.
Alvarez has been a standout player for Man City in recent seasons, contributing 18 assists and 36 goals in 103 games for the Premier League winners.
Nevertheless, since joining Man City in 2022, he has been pursuing a move out of his desire to be an unquestioned starter after playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
Alvarez will cost Atletico Madrid an estimated £64 million up front, with add-ons potentially raising the total cost to £82 million.
“Man City will look at options to replace Alvarez,” he declared. Although it might be a striker, I wouldn’t be shocked if they ended up thinking about wingers as well, possibly using a false nine if Erling Haaland is unavailable.
“We will have to wait and see the outcome of those discussions as internal talks are currently underway to determine the next course of action.”
The star of Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze, has reportedly been selected by Man City manager Pep Guardiola to “replace” Alvarez this summer.
This comes after the 26-year-old Englishman made 27 Premier League games and scored 15 goals while playing for Crystal Palace the previous season.
According to the article, Man City “decided to act swiftly” to replace Alvarez, and Eze has been elevated to the position of “top candidate at Guardiola’s request.”
In the report, it is explained.
Other major clubs like Tottenham, Liverpool, and Arsenal have also expressed interest in the midfield player, and his contract with Crystal Palace, which was extended until 2027, and his estimated value of 80 million euros have attracted attention.
“Manchester City, used to growing in their market operations quietly, might be nearing the acquisition of a strategic reinforcement that would both offset Álvarez’s departure and add another element to their attack.”
The Telegraph has reported that Man City is also considering Pedro Neto, a winger for Wolves.
It will be interesting to watch if Alvarez’s exit prompts the team to look for reinforcements. Pedro Neto, a forward for Wolves, is one of the players in which City is interested.
They looked into a deal for Bruno Guimaraes but refused to pay Newcastle’s £100 million asking price. James McAtee could become available if City decide not to add someone, as Guardiola has stated the player will remain with the team for the upcoming campaign.
