Manchester City are expected to begin talks with Julian Alvarez over a fresh contract in the summer, according to The Times.
Alvarez only joined up with his City teammates in the summer having penned a five-and-a-half-year contract earlier in the year. The forward has been hugely impressive since his move to the Etihad.
Proving to be a more-than-capable back-up to Erling Haaland, the Argentine has registered eight goals and two assists in 23 appearances. In December, he starred alongside boyhood idol Lionel Messi as Argentina won a first World Cup since 1986.
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That rapid development has set the wheels in motion for negotiations over a new and improved deal that will more accurately reflect Alvarez's stature within the squad. City have often entered fresh talks with signings shortly after their arrival, with Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias both signing new contracts around a year after originally joining.
Elsewhere, City are 'one step away' from securing a deal for Vélez Sarsfield's Máximo Perrone, according to Cesar Luis Merlo.
Pep Guardiola's side have long been linked with the midfielder, and Sarsfield's president admitted an offer had been made earlier this month - although he made it clear he was unhappy with the City boss 'constantly persuading' the 20-year-old with personal phone calls.
But now the Argentine looks close to securing his move to the Etihad, with Merlo reporting that City will pay above the €8million release clause - a point previously mooted as a way to spread the cost over a longer period.
Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Perrone has played 33 times for Sarsfield since making his debut in March 2022.
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