Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez this summer, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
The Argentine star has hinted at a possible exit from the Citizens after expressing his frustration over his lack of playing time in the club’s key matches last season.
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He announced that he would consider his future after the Paris Olympics, with a decision expected soon after Argentina’s quarter-final elimination against France.
Alvarez, who was part of his country’s Copa America-winning team this summer, said: “I haven’t thought about what I’m going to do yet.
“Last season I was one of the players with the most playing time on the team.
“But it’s true: in the end, it’s not pleasant to be left out of some important games. I’ll have time to think about my decision.
“I haven’t stopped to think about everything yet. When the Olympics are over, I will take the time to think about what I want for myself.”
“Maybe it’s annoying to be out during important games; the players always want to help on the pitch.”
City boss Pep Guardiola publicly hit back at the 24-year-old’s comments, saying he wanted a quick decision on whether he actually intended to leave.
During his club’s pre-season tour of America, the Spaniard remarked: “I read he has to think about it, so okay, think about it and after that he will tell us what he wants to do.”
“Julian has played a lot. He wants more? That’s fine. That’s why [he wants to] think about it. And when he thinks about it, he will tell us.”
And if Alvarez does indeed want to leave City after two trophy-winning seasons, Arsenal could be an option, having expressed interest earlier this summer.
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However, it is safe to assume that the north London giant – arguably City’s biggest opponent in the race for the Premier League title next season – has not provided anything concrete.
However, City are believed to be preparing for a possible offer from Arsenal, who have poached four players from the Etihad in recent years.
Arsenal lured former captain Arteta back to the Emirates in December 2019 to replace the sacked Unai Emery.
In 2021, Arsenal brought set-piece coach Nicolas Jover from City to London Colney, who turned the Gunners into corner specialists.
The following year, Arsenal signed strikers Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Alvarez, who has also been linked with Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, has scored 36 goals in 103 games in his two seasons at City.
According to online reports, City would be willing to part with the former River Plate star for around £80 million.
Arsenal are known for wanting to strengthen their attack in order to compete with Kai Havertz and Jesus in the offensive.
And with Eddie Nketiah available for purchase, they know they have to replace the England international with only one cap.