Julian Alvarez 'open' to Man City departure and other transfer rumours

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez would be "open" to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer - according to reports - should he continue to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland.

Alvarez, 23, signed for City last January while he was loaned back to boyhood side River Plate before touching down in the UK a few months later. He has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 30 outings for City since then, although many of his appearances have come from the substitutes bench.

By contrast, Norway sensation Haaland is striking at a goal-per-game since his own arrival, while the two have rarely played in tandem. Alvarez underlined his burgeoning reputation at the World Cup in Qatar as he won the golden trophy alongside his Argentina teammates.

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His performances alongside Lionel Messi were fundamental to that iconic win. However, the versatile forward has not yet been able to command regular game time for his club. Reports from Spanish outlet SPORT suggest Alvarez is "concerned" about his current situation at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona are mooted to be interested in the 19-cap international, who cost City an initial £14million, and they would consider a loan or permanent move for his services. SPORT underlines the "magnificent" relationship the two European clubs have and claim Barcelona have already made contact with them.

Alvarez has over four years left to run on his contract.

Elsewhere, reports from Football Insider indicate Barcelona will go all-out to sign City captain Ilkay Gundogan when his contract expires in the summer. Gundogan, 32, was the first signing made by Pep Guardiola when he was appointed manager at the Premier League club in 2016.

Interest from Camp Nou