Julian Alvarez’s rising stock has attracted interest from some of Europe’s giants, with Newcastle United becoming the latest club keen on the Argentine forward.
According to Italian outlet Viola News, Newcastle United are the latest club to express an interest in signing River Plate forward Julian Alvarez. The 21-year-old Argentine striker is one of the most wanted players from the South American continent, with Barcelona and Fiorentina also keeping tabs on his situation.
In what has been a terrific year for 21-year-old Julian Alvarez, he could start a new chapter in 2022 as some of the top European teams circle in desperation to sign the forward. 21 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances have certainly got the attention of clubs like Barcelona, Fiorentina and now Newcastle United.
The Argentine striker has seen his reputation soar around Europe due to his exploits with River Plate, resulting in a call up to the national side this year. With the South American club resigned to losing him, it remains to be seen what sort of financial arrangement they might agree upon.
Alvarez’s contract expires with River Plate on December 31, 2022, and he could become a free agent in a little over a year. However, the Argentine giants might not want to lose a prized asset such as the 21-year-old on a Bosman move.
As things stand, several European clubs are keen on the striker, including Barcelona, who certainly lack a viable option to lead the line. The mistrust in Luuk de Jong and the health issues troubling Sergio Aguero will force the Blaugrana to look for a forward in January. Memphis Depay has been performing modestly, which is why Xavi Hernandez would like to oversee a move for a new striker.
Alvarez could be a financially viable option, although Barcelona are linked with some of the costliest forwards in the current market. Edinson Cavani and Timo Werner are among those the Blaugrana are keen to sign, but a their pursuit might not bear fruit due to their financial struggles.
Fiorentina are also keen as the Italian side are expected to sell star striker Dusan Vlahovic for a handsome sum sooner or later. They have identified Alvarez as the proper replacement for the Serb, who is coincidentally a target for both Barcelona and Newcastle United. And La Viola will hope to develop the Argentine in the same mould.
Now, Newcastle are the latest entrants, as the Magpies look at options from the transfer market to improve their squad. They are in a tricky situation considering their Premier League standing at the bottom of the table. With plenty of cash in the bank, Newcastle are prepared to spend heavily in a bid to avoid relegation.
Newcastle and Barcelona face competition from Manchester City, although the Argentine might not be the only player on the Citizens’ wishlist. Looking at the River Plate forward’s performances and prospects, he could be a good signing in the short and medium-term for the Magpies.
As we head into January, the race to sign Alvarez could pick up momentum, and it remains to be seen which club will be able to entice him away from River Plate. For now, Newcastle United and Barcelona are locking horns for the 21-year-old Argentine forward.
