Real Madrid 'interested in signing Manchester City's Julian Alvarez'

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez as a leading transfer target.

The 23-year-old made the move to Man City from River Plate last July, and he impressed during his first season with Pep Guardiola's side, scoring 17 goals and registering five assists in 49 appearances.

Alvarez has also started this campaign in strong form, scoring twice and providing one assist in four Premier League appearances, benefitting from Kevin De Bruyne's recent injury.

The Argentina international has a contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2028, but according to Fichajes, Real Madrid are hoping to tempt him to Bernabeu next summer.

The report claims that Los Blancos are planning to move for a new forward at the end of the season, having not replaced Karim Benzema during the recent transfer window.

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Kylian Mbappe is widely expected to make the move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain next year, but the capital giants are short when it comes to the centre-forward spot, and Joselu is set to return to Espanyol next summer.

Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior have largely played as the front two for Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, with Jude Bellingham operating as a number 10 ahead of a three-man midfield.

Vinicius is currently on the sidelines through injury, though, which opened the door for Joselu to start and score in the team's 2-1 win over Getafe before the international break.

Brahim Diaz is another option in the final third, but there is a lack of genuine centre-forward options for Real Madrid, who saw Benzema leave for Saudi Arabia over the summer.

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Los Blancos are said to have a long-term interest in Erling Haaland, with the Norway international believed to be a leading target for the capital giants.

A move for Haaland next summer seems very unlikely, though, which could see Real Madrid focus their attention on his Man City teammate.

Alvarez started his professional career with River Plate, scoring 54 goals and registering 31 assists in 122 appearances for the club before making the move to Man City.

The forward has also netted seven times in 23 appearances for Argentina, including four goals at the 2022 World Cup, helping his country to win the competition in Qatar.