Why Manchester City Remain 'Cautious' About Julian Alvarez Transfer

Despite Julian Alvarez still being a relatively unknown commodity amongst the Manchester City supporters, this has not hampered the buzz around the gifted marksman’s arrival next season.

On the contrary, the Sky Blues fans have kept a close eye on the Argentine’s blistering performances for River Plate on loan.

For instance, standout showings such as the player’s masterful six-goal display against Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores or his two goals and assists apiece against Union have ignited collective eagerness amongst the club’s fanbase.

Pep Guardiola seems to share the same level of excitement from the outside, as he particularly focused on Alvarez’s natural instinct to find the back of the net in an interview with television network Telemundo.

Julian Alvarez is in flying form for River Plate (SOPA Images Limited / Alamy)

Perhaps the biggest insight into the club’s belief in the youngster is that they are willing to shell a reported £1.3 million in order to terminate his loan spell with River in order to ensure that he joins the City first-team in pre-season ahead of next season.

While all signs point to the Premier League champions being increasingly confident about one of their latest recruits being an instant success, new details have emerged that have indicated that there privately remains a feeling of apprehension within the club about his acquisition.

As per a report by Sam Lee of the Athletic, it is understood that Manchester City are ‘cautious’ about the massive leap in quality between Argentine football and the Premier League, in relation to their feelings about Julian Alvarez’s signing.

However, it has also been mentioned that City are said to be ‘increasingly impressed’ by the youngster since finalising a move for him in January this year and Pep Guardiola in particular has been claimed to be ‘excited’ to work with him next term.

Alvarez is expected to link up with his teammates in pre-season (REUTERS / Alamy)

Another revelation that has emerged regarding Alvarez was provided by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano who stated that ‘more than five’ clubs in Europe approached the Sky Blues to sign the player on loan ahead of the following campaign.

That includes several Premier League teams, who are looking to add some firepower to their front line ahead of the new season.

However, it has also been revealed that Manchester City have constantly maintained that the South American starlet is ‘staying’ at the Etihad Stadium.

The club has confidence in the versatile forward, and it is why they are ‘prepared’ to let both Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling leave in this window.

Ultimately, it seems that minor, yet understandable doubts aside, Manchester City are wholly confident that they have a gem on their hands in Julian Alvarez.

He is expected to join up with his new teammates in July, when the squad reconvenes for pre-season duties and a tour of the United States.