Julian Alvarez is reportedly a transfer target for Europe’s leading clubs, with the River Plate forward attracting interest following an impressive emergence in Argentina.
Alvarez enjoyed an outstanding season in Argentina last term, scoring 20 league goals as River Plate finished top of the Primera Division.
The 21-year-old – who has won five caps for Argentina since his senior debut in 2021 – is comfortable at centre-forward or in a wide role and there are a number of clubs considering activating the £17m release clause in his River Plate contract.
Those of you who like to gamble online should visit thabet 516, and with that in mind we’ve decided to check out who the Bookies fancy to win the battle for Alvarez’s signature.
Newcastle – 12/1
Newcastle have been linked with an endless list of transfer targets as the club’s new ownership look to invest in the squad this winter, with the Magpies hopeful of following the capture of Kieran Trippier with attacking additions.
Eddie Howe’s side have been reliant on Callum Wilson for goals and with the forward set for a two-month spell on the sidelines with a calf injury the club are expected to move swiftly in search of a new centre-forward.
Julián Álvarez in Liga Profesional this season:
21 appearances
1,592 minutes
44 dribbles completed
45 chances created
66 shots taken
6 assists
18 goalsBright Future. ???? pic.twitter.com/Dyz5xyMoyI
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 6, 2022
Newcastle’s position in the Premier League’s bottom three could put off potential signings, but the prospect of a hugely ambitious project at St James’ Park could prove persuasive.
Alvarez is also keen to sign for a club where he is guaranteed first-team football, as he looks to cement his place in the Argentina squad for the Qatar World Cup later this year.
AC Milan – 10/1
AC Milan are amongst the club’s reported to have held talks with Alvarez’s agent over a move, as the Rossoneri look to the future at centre-forward.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (40) and Olivier Giroud (35) are each into the latter stages of their careers and the arrival of Alvarez could represent a long-term replacement for that veteran duo.
Stefano Pioli’s side are currently second in Seria A, one point behind defending champions Inter Milan as the club look to win a first Scudetto since the 2010/11 season.
Alvarez could prove the perfect addition to their ranks mid-season if Milan can find the funds required, with the Italians currently assessing cost-efficient methods of strengthening this winter.
The priority remains cover at centre-back, however, given Simon Kjaer’s season-ending injury and the uncertainty surrounding the future of club captain Alessio Romagnoli as he approaches the end of his contract at the San Siro.
Inter Milan – 8/1
Inter Milan are priced just ahead of AC Milan in the race for Alvarez, as the Italian champions seek additional firepower during the January transfer window.
Inter sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea during the summer and have since seen Edin Dzeko – scorer of 11 goals across all competitions so far this season – compensate for the Belgian’s exit since his arrival from Roma.
Julian Alvarez: the best young talent in South America at the moment. ???? pic.twitter.com/7HsmkUhY3e
— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) January 5, 2022
However, the Bosnian is now 35 and a short-term solution at centre-forward and a move for Alvarez could prove the ideal succession plan.
Inter boast a strong contingent of South Americans in their current squad and the arrival of Alvarez would open up the prospect of a fascinating front pairing between the 21-year-old and international teammate Lautaro Martinez.
However, there are doubts whether the Nerazzurri currently have the finances to conclude a deal.
Real Madrid – 7/1
Real Madrid are the second-favourites to sign Alvarez, having seen the forward escape their clutches a decade ago.
Alavarez impressed on trial with the Spanish giants as an 11-year-old, but was too young to make a permanent switch to the club whose policy is to wait until foreign prospects are 13 before sanctioning deals.
The 21-year-old has since flourished in his homeland, winning the Copa Libertadores, Copa Argentina, and Primera Division and being named as South American Footballer of the Year after finishing as the Primera Division’s leading scorer in 2021.
Real could renew their interest as the club plan for life post-Karim Benzema, but the priority for the Spanish side remains securing a deal for Kylian Mbappe next summer. Erling Haaland is also on the club’s agenda, lessening the priority for a deal for Alvarez.
Manchester United – 4/1
Manchester United are the 4/1 favourites to sign Alvarez from River Plate as the club prepare to back interim manager Ralf Rangnick this month.
Anthony Martial has expressed a desire to leave in search of regular first-team football this month and with Edinson Cavani also out of contract at the end of the season, a deal for a forward makes sense.
Julián Álvarez. Manchester United are currently not in the process to sign him in January. Rangnick staff monitored Álvarez at Lokomotiv and Man Utd sent scouts – there’s nothing else as of now. ???????????? #MUFC
His agent’s gonna meet with many clubs.
???? More: https://t.co/1qXLBtcZRP pic.twitter.com/LKqzKygsym
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2022
The Red Devils’ priorities are perhaps elsewhere with the addition of a midfielder the club’s main focus, but Alvarez’s availability and release clause make him an attainable and realistic target this month.
The Argentine will want assurances over his playing time before moving to the Premier League, however, given his desire to remain in the national side’s plans ahead of the World Cup.
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