Manchester City have reportedly been rocked by Julian Alvarez's request to leave the club this summer.
The 24-year-old made the move to Man City in the summer of 2022 for just £14m after starring for boyhood club River Plate at the beginning of his career, and he has since proved to be an invaluable first-team asset under manager Pep Guardiola.
Alvarez has contributed with 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, recording 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 matches last season, and he has already won six trophies with the club, including two Premier League titles and one Champions League.
However, Alvarez has predominantly had to play second fiddle to leading marksman Erling Haaland, either watching on as a substitute or playing behind the Norwegian striker in a deeper attacking role.
It has previously been reported that the 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina is not happy with his current first-team role at the Etihad Stadium and is keen to play more regularly as a central striker.
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Alvarez wants to leave Man City after rejecting contract offer
Alvarez still has four years remaining on his Man City contract, but speculation over his long-term future at the club has surfaced in recent weeks amid interest from a number of top European clubs.
According to El Chiringuito, Alvarez rejected a new contract offered to him by Man City at the end of last season.
The Citizens are said to have offered improved terms to the forward along with a one-year extension to his existing deal that would keep him tied to the Etihad until June 2029.
However, Alvarez has informed the club that he wants to leave this summer and has demanded that the Premier League champions to set a 'logical' asking price for potential suitors.
The report come just a month after Alvarez stated that he is "comfortable and happy at City" and "we will see what happens" in the summer.
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Will Man City allow Alvarez to leave?
It has previously been reported that Man City value Alvarez at around €80m (£67.2m), but they will reject any offers for the forward this summer amid ongoing interest from a number of clubs including Chelsea.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest, while Barcelona are believed to be long-term admirers of the South American, with president Joan Laporta said to be 'dreaming' of signing him and Haaland in the future.
Alvarez is currently away on international duty with Argentina, who are preparing for the 2024 Copa America final against Colombia on Monday (BST).
Oliver Thomas
