- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Manchester City fans would be forgiven for waking up a little surprised to see forward Julian Alvarez now being linked with a switch to Chelsea.
Alvarez made 54 appearances for Pep Guardiola last season, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in the process.
The Argentina international enjoyed an excellent season, providing effective cover for Erling Haaland who was missing for periods.
Therefore, rumours that the striker could be unsettled, potentially leading to Alvarez being a transfer target for Chelsea, will have come as a real surprise.
That being said, TBR Football can share what Alvarez has been telling Man City behind the scenes, in the face of all this talk.
TBR understands that Alvarez has told the club that he would like to be playing in more of their big European games, but stopped short of asking to leave the club.
Alvarez was a constant for City over the season as mentioned, and yet only started two Champions League games, which is where some frustration has emerged – TBR has been told.
Julian Alvarez has told Man City he wants to play in big games amid Chelsea rumours
Guardiola was delighted with Alvarez’s performances last season, and made it clear to the 24-year-old that he remains a hugely important player for him going forward.
Alvarez is understood to have asked for Guardiola’s blessing to play at the Olympics this summer, and it’s believed that he will feature in France.
TBR understands that City are not shocked about links now emerging with Alvarez and an exit, but sources do not ‘envisage a scenario’ where he will leave the Etihad this summer.
Of course, with Chelsea linked with a move for Alvarez, that could potentially be speculation fueled by a reunion with Enzo Maresca, who worked with him in Manchester.
But in their belief that Alvarez will not depart, Manchester City point to the fact that the striker has four-years left on his contract, having penned an extension to his deal little over a 12-month ago.
As a result of this information, it would be a real surprise if any club were able to pursue a move, perhaps meaning Chelsea will continue to focus on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
A move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, is now thought to be off the cards, given the striker’s costly release clause and his unsuitability to Maresca’s football.