JAKARTA - Striker Julian Alvarez admits that he is bored of being only a reserve and wants to leave Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's manager also welcomed the attitude of his players. Now Paris Saint-Gemain and Chelsea are monitoring Alvarez's situation at Man City.
Man City brought in Alvarez just to be Erling Haaland's coating. Even though he came first, Alvarez had to accept the fact that Haaland was then Guardiola's first choice.
Moreover, Guardiola believes in a single spearhead scheme with two wingers rather than playing two strikers simultaneously.
As a result, Alvarez, who was brought in from River Plate in January 2022 for 14 million, ended up sitting more often on the bench.
Haaland, who was bought from Borussia Dortmund after Man City redeemed his release clause of 51.2 million months later after Alvarez became Guardiola's first choice.
Haaland also proved his sharpness. The Norwegian national team striker, who was actually targeted by Manchester United when he was still in RB Salzburg, became the top scorer for the English Premier League for two consecutive seasons.
He played a big role in bringing Man City to a treble victory for the first time winning the Champions League. Haaland also contributed to making The Cityzens win the Premier League four consecutive times.
On the other hand, Alvarez's contribution was not small. During his two seasons at Man City, he has scored 36 goals and made 18 assists during 103 matches in various competitions.
The problem is, the Argentine national team striker is only Haaland's coating. Compare Haaland, who has played 66 times in the Premier League and 62 of them have started.
Alvarez's unsatisfactory condition led to speculation that he wanted to leave Man City. Even Alvarez said he would consider his future at Man City after the 2024 Olympics.
"I don't stop thinking about what to do. Last season, I was one of the players who played the most in the team. But it's true, in the end I wasn't played in a number of important matches. It's really not fun," said Alvarez.
"I will consider my future. Of course I will not rush to decide. After the Olympics, I will take a moment to think about my future," he said. Responding to signals from his players who want to leave, Guardiola invites Alvarez to convey his wishes after the Olympics. He also made sure not only Alvarez but there were 18 or 19 players who wanted to play in every important game.
"I don't think there will be a change [of players]. I know he really wants to think about his future," said Guardiola.
"Once he is finished considering everything, his agent will meet [Director of Football] Txiki [Begiristain]. So we'll just have to wait for the progress. I know he wants to play in important matches, but other players also want the same thing," said the former Barcelona coach.
"We have 18 or 19 players who want to play in important matches. I already know what he thought. So I'm waiting for what he wants to say," he said.
Guardiola does not like players who have different desires than himself as manager/coach. When Joao Cancelo had different opinions from Guardiola, the player was then expelled from Etihad. He was loaned out to other clubs. Lastly, he was borrowed by Barca.
Alvarez also tried to dampen the situation and stated that he never said anything bad about Man City and Guardiola.
"I heard what Guardiola said. I don't want to say anything more. What is clear is that I never said anything bad about him," said Alvarez.
"I'm just going to think about what I did last season and what the plans are for next season. After all, I always say that I'm already happy at Man City which is a big club. I never say bad things," he said again.
According to ESPN, PSG has monitored Alvarez's situation in Man City. In fact, the two clubs plan to meet to discuss Alvarez's transfer.
Apart from PSG, the club duo London, Chelsea and Arsenal, are interested in signing Alvarez. They also monitor the player's progress. If there is a chance to recruit him, Chelsea or Arsenal are ready to disburse funds to buy it.
Alvarez's price is estimated at 35 million. But some say that Man City is asking for a price of 77 million for the 24-year-old striker.
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