Manchester City’s striker, Julian Alvarez, is on the brink of leaving the club for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £70 million. The Argentine forward, currently on holiday after participating in the Copa America and Olympics, has expressed his desire for more playing time this season.

Atletico has made two approaches to City regarding Alvarez this summer and is now close to finalizing a payment structure that suits both parties. Alvarez’s potential departure would represent a record sale for the Premier League champions, surpassing Barcelona’s £55 million move for Ferran Torres.

This leaves Pep Guardiola with a decision to make on whether to replace Alvarez, who featured in more matches than any other City player last season. Atletico Madrid is close to sealing the deal for Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.

Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, could soon be able to add Alvarez to his attacking options. Guardiola issued a straightforward response when asked about Alvarez’s future at City, suggesting that the club will only delve into the transfer market if one of their current crop moves elsewhere.

Alvarez contributed with 36 goals in 103 appearances across two seasons for City, serving as a backup for Erling Haaland and also being deployed as an attacking midfielder. The 24-year-old, who has already won every major trophy in world football, joined City from River Plate for £14 million in 2022.