KEY POINTS

  • Julian Alvarez is contracted with River Plate until December 
  • He has a buyout clause of $28 million
  • Alvarez recently made his international debut with Argentina

Manchester City are reportedly close to signing Argentinean forward Julian Alvarez, who is considered as Sergio Aguero's successor.

The club has not yet signed a replacement following Aguero's departure. Even though they won the Premier League title last season without a striker, Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said he is still looking to sign an orthodox striker, BBC Sport reported.

Guardiola believes 21-year-old Alvarez could be Man City's future striker and considers the young Argentinian as Aguero's successor, according to 1News.

With 260 goals in 390 appearances, Aguero finished his career at Etihad as the club's all-time goal scorer. One point that differs Alvarez from Aguero is his versatility. The young striker currently plays as a forward for River Plate and is equally effective on the right. He had spent his younger years as a winger. Guardiola is attracted by his flexibility as he wants his strikers to change positions often.

Thanks for the memories: Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero applauds the crowd
Thanks for the memories: Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero applauds the crowd POOL / Dave Thompson

Alvarez is contracted with River Plate until December and has a buyout clause of around $28 million, NBC News reported.

However, Manchester City are preparing to pay the Argentinean club $20 million for Alvarez, according to Calciomercato.com. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently.

River Plate, the most successful side in Argentine Primera División, won the league title last season and Alvarez played a significant role in their title win. With 18 goals in 21 league games, Alvarez finished as the leading goal scorer, while he also provided seven assists. Across competitions, he finished with 24 goals and 15 assists.

Following that performance, Alvarez has come on the radar of several top European clubs and it looks like City are going to win the race to land the player.

Alvarez also has five international caps and has been selected for Argentina's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

With 57 points in 23 games, Manchester City are at the top of the 2021-22 Premier League, nine points ahead of second-placed Liverpool FC.

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