Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Julian Alvarez
Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez.
Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez.(Image: PA Wire)
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Manchester City have reportedly entered the running to sign Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez, according to Spanish outlet Marca.
The report claims Enzo Maresca's side are eyeing a reunion with the Argentine striker, who has recently returned to training with Atletico Madrid following a bout of illness.
The 26-year-old's future remains uncertain after he expressed a desire to leave the club earlier this summer.
Alvarez had made no secret of his wish to join Barcelona, but Atletico swiftly released a strongly-worded statement making it abundantly clear they had no intention of selling to their La Liga rivals.
The report claims that City have held preliminary discussions over a potential move for Alvarez, though they have encountered a similar obstacle to Arsenal, with the Argentine reportedly reluctant to return to England.
Atletico are demanding a guaranteed £128.4m to part with Alvarez this summer, just two years after signing the forward from Manchester City in 2024 for £81.8million.
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The striker penned a six-year contract at the Metropolitano and has impressed since his arrival, netting 49 goals in 107 appearances.
With City having offloaded Omar Marmoush and Savinho, Maresca's squad is light on attacking options, and the club could reportedly make a push to bring Alvarez back to the Etihad.
The report states that no formal negotiations have taken place between the two clubs, despite initial enquiries being made.
Manchester City have reportedly made a surprise swoop for Julian Alvarez.
Manchester City have reportedly made a surprise swoop for Julian Alvarez.(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Arsenal had previously appeared the most likely destination for Alvarez should he depart Atletico, with a switch to Barcelona now completely off the table, though City's interest changes that dynamic entirely.
"The truth is that it outrages us even more; we are repulsed by the dishonesty, the lack of ethics, transparency and professionalism, and we can only insist that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances," Atletico chief Gil Marín said.
"I have the support of everyone working with me, from shareholders to directors, and the only certain and firm decision is that we will not negotiate with Barcelona under any circumstances.
"You have my word - the player will most certainly not be transferred to Barcelona."