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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Julian Alvarez responds to Chelsea transfer links in message over Man City future

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez says he’s happy at the club amid links with a move to Chelsea.

Standard Sport understands the Blues have made the signing of a new forward a priority this summer, with Nicolas Jackson enduring a mixed first season leading the line.

Jackson has since suffered a “serious” ankle injury while away on international duty with Senegal after he was forced off during their World Cup qualifying 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Diamniadio.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is under consideration and Chelsea are confident they can rival Arsenal’s interest in the forward.

The 21-year-old has a release clause of around £56m in his contract and the club could be prepared to trigger it should they advance their interest.

Chelsea hold a long-standing interest Napoli’s Victor Osimhen too but are not willing to pay over £100m to sign the Nigerian international.

Brighton’s Evan Ferguson also has admirers at Stamford Bridge but is not believed to be a target during this window.

Alvarez has largely played second-fiddle to Erling Haaland since joining City from River Plate in the summer of 2022.

Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move away from Manchester City (Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for the World Cup-winning Argentina striker but their president Enrique Cerezo recently suggested the 24-year-old would be staying at the Etihad Stadium.

While Haaland’s injury last season did afford Alvarez 31 Premier League starts, ousting the Norway international on a regular basis looks a tall order.

Asked about his future while away on Copa America duty with Argentina, Alvarez told ESPN: “These are things that are said, but I am calm; I am comfortable and happy at City; we will see what happens.”

Chelsea have already confirmed the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo to kick off the Enzo Maresca era and are targeting moves for a goalkeeper and a left-back.

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