Manchester City are reportedly determined to keep hold of Julian Alvarez and are preparing to open discussions with the forward about his future upon the conclusion of the Copa America.
Alvarez enjoyed a second successful season with the Premier League champions, during which he scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.
Since arriving in Manchester in 2022, Alvarez has already won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and back-to-back Premier League titles.
However, the 24-year-old has largely had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland over the last two seasons and reports earlier this week revealed that the World Cup champion is looking for a move away from the Etihad Stadium this summer in search of regular game time.
Given his record for City, it is unsurprising that the striker has drawn interest from several big clubs across Europe, including the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
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Man City determined to keep hold of Alvarez this summer
El Chiringuito reported earlier this week that Alvarez rejected a new contract, which included improved terms and an additional one-year extension to his current deal with the Citizens at the end of last season.
The 24-year-old was also believed to have made the club aware of his desire to leave this summer while requesting they set a logical selling price for potential suitors.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man City are eager to keep the attacker at the club next season and will hold talks with him when he returns from international duty.
Romano added that PSG have signalled strong interest in signing the Argentine, but reaffirmed that City never wanted to sell him, and still insist that they can find a way to keep hold of him this offseason.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the City attacker this summer but have yet to make a formal approach.
Alvarez's current deal with Pep Guardiola's side runs until the summer of 2028, and it is understood that he has a valuation of around £70m.
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Man City likely to struggle to find suitable Alvarez replacement
Losing Alvarez will come as a huge blow to Man City, who will likely struggle to find another player that can deliver the sort of numbers the Argentine has with limited opportunity.
The former River Plate striker has made a total of 103 appearances for City over the last two seasons, many of which were off the bench, and has contributed to 54 goals, including scoring 36 himself while setting up 18.
Additionally, his versatility has been a massive asset for Guardiola, as he has also filled in as a number 10 and out wide when required.
The Argentine international was on the scoresheet for La Albiceleste in their 2-0 victory over Canada in the Copa America semi-final, marking his second goal of the competition.
He is set to feature up front for Argentina in their Copa America title defence against Colombia on Sunday night.
Devesh Jaganath
![Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on April 16, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola pictured on April 16, 2024 [IMAGO]")
