Julian Alvarez sends mixed transfer message amid Chelsea ‘interest’ as Atletico president issues verdict

Julian Alvarez has sent a mixed message on his future amid reported interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

No-one played more games for Manchester City this season than Alvarez, but he ended the campaign essentially playing back-up to Kevin De Bruyn and Erling Haaland after the pair returned from respective injuries. As a result, Alvarez has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The 24-year-old is currently with the Argentina squad preparing for Copa America and admitted in an interview that he is ‘happy’ at the Etihad, but added he will ‘see what happens’.

“These are things that are said, but I am calm. I am comfortable and happy at City. We will see what happens,” he told ESPN.

Despite the evasive response, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has told Mexican outlet UnoTV that his side won’t make a move for Alvarez, and claimed he will remain in Manchester for at least one more year.

City have a clear stance on any unhappy players and should the club receive what they deem as an acceptable offer for the attacker, they are unlikely to stand in his way. However, the uncertainty surrounding the futures of De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva could prove to be a significant barrier to Alvarez leaving.

The former River Plate man has spent two seasons at City and signed a contract extension in March 2023 that runs to 2028. The World Cup winner has already made over 100 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and has scored 36 times.