Julian Alvarez 'to sign new Manchester City contract next week'

Julian Alvarez has reportedly agreed to sign a new long-term contract with Manchester City next week, which will run until the summer of 2028.

The 22-year-old forward joined the Citizens from River Plate in January 2022 and immediately returned to his boyhood club on loan before linking up with Pep Guardiola's side last summer.

Following the summer arrival of Erling Braut Haaland, Alvarez has had to settle for a peripheral role in City's first-team so far this season, starting only 14 of his 31 appearances across all competitions.

However, the forward has still contributed with 10 goals and three assists this campaign, scoring at least once in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Community Shield.

Alvarez was one of the breakout stars at the 2022 World Cup with winners Argentina, recording four goals and one assist in seven matches, including a brace in the 3-0 semi-final victory over Croatia.

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Alvarez's current contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until the summer of 2027, but a recent report claims that the forward has been in discussions with City over a new lucrative deal.

Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Alvarez, with Sport claiming that the Catalan giants have been alerted by the forward's 'concerns' over his lack of regular first-team football under Guardiola.

However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Alvarez has 'approved' City's latest contract offer and will put pen to paper on his new one-year extension next week.

The forward is believed to be earning around £50,000 a week on his current deal, but Romano claims that the forward will be rewarded with a 'significant' pay rise for his progress since joining the club.

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Alvarez recently revealed that he is still adapting to life in England and believes that he can continue to grow as a player and person under Guardiola, who he has labelled as "one of the best coaches in the world".

"It's a lot of new things. I knew I was coming six months before. I always try to get used to it and adapt as quickly as possible. The same thing happened to me when I left Calchin for Buenos Aires," the Argentine told TyC Sports.

"The good thing is that I am with my family and my girlfriend, and the day-to-day life is a little easier. I feel good, even though some people talk about the weather.

"We all know what [Guardiola] did, he's one of the best coaches in the world. I try to listen and learn a lot of things. He had the best players and won so many things? You always learn and you can grow as a player and as a person."

Alvarez will be hoping to force his way into the starting lineup when Man City welcome RB Leipzig to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.