Manchester City know they already have one thing in their favour as they enter the race for Julian Alvarez.
The rising Argentine star is attracting plenty of interest from Europe’s top sides as the battle for his signature begins after a superb year.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in 35 appearances, and added 17 assists to boot, as River Plate won the title in Argentina last season, with the 21-year-old named the best player in South America, putting him on par with the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, Neymar and Ronaldinho.
According to reports in Argentina, City have already made an offer for the forward, who is said to have a £16.75million release clause in his contract, although River Plate want to keep him until the summer.
Nevertheless, City look to have made their intentions clear as they join the race for one of the hottest prospects in world football.
And in Alvarez, they know they’d be getting a player who is very keen on playing for City.
Speaking about his dream to play in Europe back in 2020, Alvarez seemingly showed a preference for the Blues as he revealed Pep Guardiola’s side where one of his favoured teams when playing on his Playstation.
“Playing in Europe is most people's dream because of those leagues' quality and what it means to be at those clubs,” Alvarez told Radio La Red.
“But I am taking it easy. Obviously I talk to my agent and my family, but I know I have to stay focused on what I'm doing. Later the time will come, through the work I am doing.
"On the PlayStation I play with Barcelona or Manchester City.”
Where City able to land Alvarez, it’s unlikely he would be added to Guardiola’s first-team squad right away, instead looking more likely to be loaned out to one of City’s sister clubs in Europe.
Alvarez is also not seen as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero just yet, and any move would not affect City’s interest in a big-money move for Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.
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