Pep Guardiola gives big update on Julian Alvarez’s future amid Chelsea and Arsenal links

Pep Guardiola has suggested that he will sell Julian Alvarez – a target for Chelsea and Arsenal – if he wants to leave Manchester City.

After signing from River Plate in 2022, Alvarez quickly established himself as an important player for City, making 103 appearances in his first two seasons at the Etihad.

In that time the forward has scored 36 goals and made 18 assists, winning the treble in his first campaign and another Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in his second.

Additionally, he also won the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Copa America with Argentina, and is currently in Paris competing in the Olympics.

However, despite his success and playing the ninth most minutes in the City squad last year, the 24-year-old has suggested he is unhappy with his game time and could push to leave Manchester this transfer window.

There is interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid and it is said that while the Citizens would not stand in Alvarez’s way, they would demand a £60million fee, plus £17m in add-ons.

Now, Guardiola appears to have confirmed that that is City’s stance, though stated that the decision was very much up to the player.

Speaking during his side’s pre-season tour of the USA, the manager said: ‘I read that he [Alvarez] is going to think about it.

‘OK, think about it. Then he will inform us what he wants to do. Julian played a lot. He wants more? It’s fine.

‘So that’s why [he wants to] think about it. And when he thinks about it, he will inform us.’

Both Chelsea and Arsenal are in the market for a new centre-forward though both have other names on their shortlists including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

City’s pre-season hasn’t been going to plan so far, having lost to both Celtic and AC Milan, with Barcelona up next on Tuesday night.

Their 2024/25 season kicks-off on August 10 in the Community Shield against Manchester United before their Premier League defence begins the following weekend away at Chelsea.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.