Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has been speaking about Julian Alvarez’s situation at Manchester City amid speculation that Chelsea are interested in signing the forward.
It has been reported that Chelsea are weighing up making an offer for Julian Alvarez this summer.
The 24-year-old only signed a contract extension at Manchester City last March, with his deal now not expiring until 2028.
However, a move to another club could yet appeal to Alvarez if he wants to become the first-choice striker.
At City, the Argentine, of course, plays second fiddle to Erling Haaland.
Fabrizio Romano clarifies Julian Alvarez situation
According to Romano, City want to keep Alvarez at the Etihad.
If Alvarez wants to join Chelsea or another club this summer, then he needs to tell the Premier League champions that he wants out and wait for a big-money offer to arrive.
Discussing the Argentina international’s future on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Manchester City have no intention to accept any loan deal for Julian Alvarez. At the moment, this is the situation of Manchester City.
“And also in case they would allow Julian Alvarez to leave the club in the summer has to be for big money. So, Manchester City have no intention to sell Julian Alvarez this summer. It will only happen if the player requests clearly to go and join another club and if they receive a big amount of money. These two conditions are crucial, otherwise Manchester City are not keen on selling Julian.
“They believe he’s an important player, he has a big future, big potential, and so City will try their best to keep Julian Alvarez at the club.”
Should Chelsea make a big offer for Julian Alvarez?
Chelsea clearly need to sign a new striker this summer. Nicolas Jackson finished last season as the only recognised centre-forward in the Blues’ squad and missed so many chances throughout the campaign.
As per WhoScored, his xG difference in the Premier League was -4.66. The Senegal international really should have had four more goals than he actually scored.
Considering all of the above, again, Chelsea should bring in a centre-forward, and Alvarez is a logical target.
The former River Plate man is familiar with the English top flight, knows how to play in an elite team and is capable of scoring goals. He netted 19 times in all competitions last season.
He will not come cheap it seems, but Alvarez could be well worth a big transfer fee.