Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez admits he made his own transfer pitch to Julian Alvarez before he signed on the dotted line for Manchester City.
Having been priced out of a move for England captain Harry Kane last summer, City have sanctioned summer deals for two strikers — Alvarez and Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund — to push for more trophies next season. Further deals are planned in other positions, including midfield and left-back.
Pep Guardiola has already managed to address his priority, though, while claims from the Argentina camp suggest there is no chance 'superstar' Alvarez will be upstaged by Haaland next season. A deal to sign Alvarez from River Plate was confirmed in January and he remains in Argentina on loan until arriving in Manchester in July.
READ MORE: Erling Haaland breaks silence on impending Man City transfer
The 22-year-old has scored 14 goals in 17 appearances this season to sharpen up his shooting boots for the next step that awaits at the Etihad Stadium. But how successful can he be at City?
Speaking during a press conference before Argentina take on Italy at Wembley, international teammate, Martinez, said: "We know how talented he is. Obviously I wanted him to come to Villa, to be fair.
"I told him before the Copa America to join us... He is a top lad, very humble, a hard worker and I believe he's going to be a superstar."
City have announced their agreement in principle to sign Haaland in time for next season. Since then, he has jetted into Manchester to compete the move. It is understood the Norway striker could be publicly unveiled over the next few days. Haaland will cost £51million while Alvarez set them back an initial €17million.
