Manchester City 'facing a fight' to keep hold of Julian Alvarez this summer

Manchester City are facing a fight to keep hold of Julian Alvarez, according to a report.

Alvarez has enjoyed a successful first season for City, playing a key role in Pep Guariolda's side that is on course to win the second-ever treble in English football.

He's netted 17 times this season in 46 games, boasting an impressive goals-to-minutes ratio for the Premier League champions, having earned just 22 starts in all competitions.

But he finds himself playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland and with the division's top scorer breaking the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season, it's unlikely he'll be able to replace him any time soon.

Alvarez can play deeper but with Haaland's form it's unlikely he will ever be a permanent fixture in his preferred position, unless the Norwegian is injured.

A World Cup winner, the 23-year-old will feel he deserves more regular gametime, and, according to Sky Germany, he may get just that soon.

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Alvarez in the summer, and may be willing to test City's resolve for the forward.

Thomas Tuchel's side are looking to bounce back after an incredibly disappointing season that has seen them fall drastically short in the Champions League.

It's also possible they could concede the Bundesliga to Borussia Dortmund this weekend, with their rivals two points clear at the top of the table with one match remaining.

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The defending champions have failed to replace Robert Lewandowski after he moved to Barcelona last year and will sign a forward this transfer window.

Alvarez would cost a pretty penny, however, having signed a deal to keep him at the Etihad until 2028.

City themselves are likely to strengthen despite their potential treble victory, with some players set to leave in the summer.

The likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Aymeric Laporte face uncertain futures, and adding Alvarez to the list of potential departures may trigger a busy summer for the champions.