Manchester City want to replace exit-bound Julian Alvarez with Real Madrid attacker - Reports
Manchester City have reportedly identified Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo to replace the imminently departing Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker is on the cusp of joining Atletico Madrid.
Having arrived at the Etihad in the summer of 2022, Alvarez, 24, contributed 36 goals and 18 assists in 103 games across competitions. In his debut season, the 2024 Copa America winner helped City win their first continental treble before they won an unprecedented Premier League four-peat last campaign.
With Alvarez widely reported to be heading to Atletico, City have identified Rodrygo to take up the Argentinian's place, as reported by Marca (via Football Espana). The acquisition is thought to be a complicated one for City, but with the arrival of attackers Kylian Mbappe and Endrick at Los Blancos along with options on the bench, the Premier League side are banking on Rodrygo becoming dispensable.
Nevertheless, Rodrygo is not going to come cheap, with Transfermarkt valuing the player at €110 million. However, with City expected to make a sound profit from the Alvarez sale, a move for the Los Blancos attacker might materialise.
What's next for Manchester City and Real Madrid?
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City have had mixed pre-seasons. Los Blancos started their pre-season with a 1-0 loss to AC Milan at Solder Field in Chicago before losing 2-1 to arch-rivals Barcelona at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Carlo Ancelotti's side ended their pre-season with a win, seeing off Chelsea 2-1 at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina. They commence their new campaign against reigning UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw on August 14. Los Blancos then open their La Liga title defence at Real Mallorca four days later.
Meanwhile, City started their pre-season with a 4-3 loss to Celtic before going down 3-2 to AC Milan. Pep Guardiola's side's losing run in pre-season continued with a 4-1 shootout loss to Barcelona following a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes.
However, the Cityzens ramped up their preparations for the new season with a morale-boosting 4-2 win over Chelsea, whom they also meet in their Premier League opener away on August 18.
Before that, though, Guardiola's side take on Manchester United in the FA Community Shield at the Wembley Stadium in London. Manchester City lost 2-1 to United in the FA Cup final last season, which denied them the opportunity to become the first English team to win back-to-back domestic doubles.