Real Madrid have reportedly been joined by rivals Atletico Madrid in the race to sign 20-year-old Uruguayan forward Agustin Alvarez Martinez.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are bracing for a battle with local rivals Atletico Madrid for the signing of Uruguayan forward Agustin Alvarez Martinez from Penarol in January.
A product of the Penarol youth academy, Alvarez made his first-team debut for the Uruguayan giants last year and has quickly grown into an integral member of the team, bagging 30 goals in 59 matches, while setting up seven more. The 20-year-old striker has been in particularly impressive form this term, having already netted 20 goals and set up 3 more in just 29 matches.
On the back of his performances for Penarol Alvarez also broke into the Uruguayan national team earlier this month. The young striker made his debut against Bolivia in a World Cup Qualifier and scored in the game as La Celeste won 4-2.
Alvarez’s superlative form has not gone unnoticed as Real Madrid have taken an interest in the 20-year-old’s signing. Now, the Merengues have been joined by their bitter rivals Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the young hitman.
It is no top secret that Real Madrid have been working hard to make their presence stronger in the South American market ever since they lost out to Barcelona in pursuit of Neymar. Recent years have seen the Merengues bring in the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Reinier Jesus, while they have also set their sights on Antony, who currently plays for AFC Ajax.
With Mariano Diaz out of favour and Luka Jovic struggling to produce the goods in front of goal, Real Madrid need an able backup for star man Karim Benzema as they look to compete across all fronts. While moves for Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe may be on the cards for next summer, someone like Alvarez could come into the side and January and develop into a star for the future at the Bernabeu.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will now have to stave off competition from Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the 20-year-old. The reigning La Liga champions are looking to bolster their attack as they eye to replace Luis Suarez in the long run as age catches up with the ex-Barcelona forward while Antoine Griezmann’s return to the Wanda Metropolitano has, so far, been subpar.
With Joao Felix being unable to live up to the potential he had shown, another forward would be a welcome addition for Diego Simeone’s side. Both the Spanish capital clubs are eyeing a swoop for Alvarez during the January transfer window itself, so as to avoid more competition for his services in the summer. It now remains to be seen who among Real and Atletico come out on top in the race.
