Man City 'enter race' for Julian Alvarez as Arsenal transfer interest hijacked

Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Julian Alvarez despite the side being in Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Friday.

Despite Enzo Maresca and his squad being fully focused on overcoming the Eagles at Selhurst Park on Friday evening (August 28), the club’s transfer department was hard at work.

City have seen a huge turnover in players since Pep Guardiola’s exit at the end of last season, with stalwarts John Stones, Bernardo Silva and Rodri joining Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Meanwhile, Savio, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Issa Kabore have all left permanently, while Omar Marmoush has joined Spurs on loan.

Despite still being short in most areas, Maresca has welcomed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest and 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for a combined fee of £202million.

City have also signed Jeremy Monga from Leicester City and Geronimo Rulli, who was previously at the club between 2016 and 2017.

And it appears another former player may return to the Etihad, with Spanish outlet MARCA reporting that Manchester City have entered the race for Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez.

MARCA reports: “While acknowledging that his dream of playing for Barcelona is now impossible and that the Premier League is his only alternative to leaving Atlético. In fact, although Arsenal was considered the best option should he wish to leave the Rojiblancos, in recent hours Manchester City has entered the race!

“Although two summers ago the Spider decided to leave the Etihad Stadium for Atlético Madrid to enjoy the leading role he hadn't been able to experience during his two seasons in Haaland's shadow, his former club has taken advantage of his current situation to explore a possible return.

"In this regard, following the departures of Marmoush and Savinho, their attacking options have been decimated, and Julián Álvarez's name has been put forward in light of the ongoing transfer saga at Atlético, specifically as a loan move.”

Alvarez, who left City for Atletico in an £82million deal during 2024, has been the subject of transfer interest from both Barcelona and Arsenal throughout the summer window.

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Atletico chief rules out Julian Alvarez Barcelona move

However, earlier this week, Atleti CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin accused Barca of dishonesty, making it clear that the Madrid outfit would “never, ever” sell Alvarez to the Catalans.

“The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances,” Gil Marín said.

“I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances. You have my word – the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona.”

This came after Barca president Joan Laporta stated publicly that Barca still wanted to sign Alvarez this summer.

Atleti head coach Diego Simeone explained how he will “do everything” he can to help reintegrate Alvarez into the side when he returns to training. It has already been confirmed that the forward will not feature in the side’s trip to Sevilla on Saturday (August 29).

“From the moment he returns to training, I will do everything I can to make him feel important,” Simeone said.

He added: “I’m still in the same position, hoping, from a sporting point of view, to be able to help him in the best way so that he continues to be the very important player he is for us.”

“Julian will not be there [on Saturday] against Sevilla, who have just won two games and will be high with confidence.”

Of course, Alvarez enjoyed a successful period at City despite playing second fiddle to Erling Haaland, with the Argentina international registering 36 goals and 19 assists in 103 appearances and helping the side win six major honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Alvarez is contracted to Atletico until 2030.