Why Julian Alvarez snubbed Aston Villa for Man City transfer

Reported Aston Villa target Julian Alvarez has joined Manchester City after months of transfer speculation linking him with a move away from River Plate.

The 22-year-old forward has agreed a five-and-a-half-year deal at The Etihad and will remain with River on loan at least until July 2022.

He recorded 36 goals and 25 assists in 96 appearances in his homeland and won the Argentine league title last season.

But it was Villa who were constantly linked with a sensational move for the South American starlet since the end of last season.

According to The Athletic, Villa and German side Bayer Leverkusen were interested in signing Alvarez last summer, but the young forward decided against a move to the pair and stayed put at River Plate - owing to his desire of playing Champions League football.

Alvarez has spent the whole of his professional career at El Monumental — but has played football in Europe before. Prior to signing for River, Alvarez had trials with Boca Juniors and Real Madrid, particularly impressing the Spanish giants.

For Villa, he is one that got away, but the club have added firepower to their own attacking ranks without signing Alvarez, as Danny Ings, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho have all joined the club since the summer.