Manchester City set to steal rivals United’s key target this winter

According to reports, Manchester City seem to be ever so close to signing their first player in this winter market with the deal between the defending champions and River Plate “about to close” regarding their striker Julian Alvarez’s move to England.

Alvarez, 21, has been remarkable for River Plate last season scoring 20 goals and laying down 12 of them in his last 35 appearances for the Gallinas. The Argentine forward was instrumental in leading River plate to their 37th Primera Division title finishing the campaign as the league’s top goal scorer.

Alvarez, who made his international debut in 2018 was a part of Argentina’s Copa America winning squad in 2021. The River Plate striker though couldn’t manage to break into the starting XI even once throughout the tournament and was limited to only four substitute appearances.

The 21-year-old was named South American Footballer of the Year in 2021, having scored 39 goals for the defending Primera Division champions last year. As a result, Alvarez has seen several elite clubs in Europe fighting for his prized signature including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Manchester United, with Manchester City tipped to be the favorites to land one of Argentina’s hottest prospects.

"“Manchester City board had two meetings with Julian Alvarez agents. Talks have started but the release clause hasn’t been paid, it’s not done yet.Julian won’t join City in January – but they’d look for a loan. Man United never opened talks to sign Alvarez in January.”"

Source: Fabrizio Romano(via Twitter).

Manchester City have been desperate to sign a perfect striker since former striker and record goal-scorer Sergio Aguero left the club on a Bosman. Ferran Torres’ to Barcelona this winter has restricted Pep Guardiola to only a handful of options in the final third.

Julian Alvarez could flourish under Pep Guardiola teaming up with the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling in the attacking third. Even if the Cityzens do manage to land Erling Haaland or Dusan Vlahovic who seem to be their topmost priority, the River plate striker could be the ideal one to play second fiddle.

With that said, even if City manage to sign the 21-year-old by paying his release clause which is set to be around €15.5 million, Alvarez would arrive at the Etihad only after the conclusion of this season. The idea is to keep the striker in River Plate for the ongoing season as a part of a short loan.

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