On July 18th, Mundo Deportivo reported Atlético Madrid’s interest in Manchester City star Julián Álvarez ‘is real’, days after journalist César Luis Merlo said the player wants to leave the Premier League winners this summer.
Atlético are aware that it’s complicated to take the 24-year-old away from Manchester City.
That’s according to Wednesday’s edition of Marca, who say the La Liga side will continue to retain hope, as long there’s an option to sign him.
It’s claimed the operation is in the early stages, but Los Rojiblancos are taking every small step to try and secure the Argentina international’s services.
Álvarez recently suggested that Pep Guardiola didn’t consider him for “important games” last season, and will have to think about his future. The manager publicly responded to this and asked the Copa América winner to inform his side when he’s made a decision.
Marca say Guardiola’s latest comments are seen as a ‘ray of hope’ for Atlético in their pursuit of the South American.
The Spaniard doesn’t want to have unhappy players in his squad. Therefore, Manchester City could soften their stance on the attacker, after initially refusing to let him leave.
The Citizens aren’t willing to make the exit easy, but it allows the Spanish club to ‘keep the dream alive’, to sign Álvarez in this window.
Atlético have to work on a formula to convince Manchester City, and it could be a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option or a permanent transfer, where the fee will be paid in several instalments.
