Following the departures of Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay, Atlético Madrid are looking to reinvigorate their attacking line with Manchester City's Julián Álvarez.
Having already signed Alexander Sørloth from Villarreal, Los Colchoneros are looking to make their mark during this transfer window with the 24-year-old forward.
This would be a significant investment from Atlético Madrid and one that they have been hesitant to make the last couple of seasons.
But with Álvarez eyeing for a move and with Atlético Madrid having some bargaining chips, talks have begun with a deal expected to be made.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Atletico Madrid close to striking deal with Man City to sign Julian Alvarez. Not fully agreed but now in sight - clubs negotiating final price & payment terms. Would be at least 5x £14m #MCFC paid in 2022 + 24yo keen on #Atleti @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5PCZMsAETj
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 5, 2024
For those wondering where Atlético Madrid are going to come up with the necessary funds, after refbuffing interest, specifically from Chelsea, for Samu Omorodion, the Rojiblancos may now be open to doing business.
In addition, to try to wrap up the Álvarez signing, they are willing to include Joao Felix, who returned after spending last season on loan with Barcelona.
Whether that will interest Manchester City, or be enough either way, remains to be seen.
In a recent update, Relevo's Matteo Morretto reports that Atlético have made an offer of €75 million, with variables included, for the Argentinian.
El Atlético acaba de ofrecer al Manchester City 75 millones de euros, variables incluidas, por Julián Álvarez.
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) August 5, 2024
Las negociaciones entre ambos clubes avanzan, a la espera de ultimar algunos detalles relacionados con el contrato del jugador.
La negociación entra en una fase…
Furthermore, Moretto goes on to say that the transfer is also dependent on the transfer of Omorodion to Chelsea.
Again, Álvarez is keen on the move having the spent the last two seasons as Erling Haaland's understudy. Man City boss Pep Guardiola has added to the speculation when asked about Álvarez's future in his preseason press conferences.
For Atlético Madrid, this would be a real statement of intent. A statement that they want to battle with Real Madrid and Barcelona and make a deep run in the Champions League.
The past couple of seasons have been a disappointment both domestically and abroad. With Sorloth and potentially Álvarez, the onus to create and finish isn't left solely to Antoine Griezmann. This could have a positive effect for Griezmann who is already Diego Simeone's best player.
The two sides seem to be working quickly to get a deal done with the expectation it could become official some time this week.