Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing 21-year-old Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, also a target for Real Madrid.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly set to wage battle for the services of Julian Alvarez. The 21-year-old River Plate striker is also being courted by Real Madrid and several other European heavyweights.
Julian Alvarez has become one of the most coveted strikers in the world on the back of a top-class 2021 season, wherein he guided River Plate to the Liga Profesional title with his exploits in the final third. The Argentine striker, who had trials with Real Madrid and River’s bitter rivals Boca Juniors before joining his current club, has 21 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions this year.
The youngster’s exploits have also helped him break into the Argentine national side, and he was also a part of the squad that won the Copa America this year. At the same time, the 21-year-old has become a highly sought-after striker in Europe, with clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City keen on signing him.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering Karim Benzema is set to enter the final phase of his career soon. So, laying down a succession plan for the Frenchman is imperative. And while Erling Haaland is the priority target for Real Madrid, the widespread competition for his signature means the Spanish giants need to keep their options open.
On the other hand, Manchester United are the latest entrants in the race to sign the 21-year-old, and for a good reason. The Red Devils have plenty of strikers in their first-team setup, but a closer look reveals the need to bolster their attacking unit with one. That is because Edinson Cavani is in the twilight of his career and linked with Barcelona, while Anthony Martial is facing an uncertain future at the club.
On top of that, Cristiano Ronaldo will only be a short-term solution for Manchester United, meaning someone like Julian Alvarez could leave the line for years to come if signed. As for Manchester City, they failed to sign Harry Kane in the summer and still have no viable replacement for Sergio Aguero onboard. And Alvarez could be the player to fill the void left by the departure of his compatriot at the Etihad.
Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City are not the only clubs keen on signing Julian Alvarez, who is also on the radars of AC Milan and Inter Milan. So, with competition for his services intensifying, it remains to be seen where Alvarez will ply his trade next season and how much River Plate demand for his transfer.
