Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly eyeing up a move for Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine international, who played a pivotal role with four goals in his country's World Cup-winning campaign last year, transferred from River Plate to the Etihad for £14.1m in January last year.
Last season, the 23-year-old made 23 starts and netted 17 goals across all competitions as City secured the treble, yet his role in the side was primarily in a supporting capacity to Erling Haaland.
Spanish media outlet Sport reports that Barcelona, lacking cover for forward Robert Lewandowski, are now directing their focus toward the Man City attacker to bolster their attacking options.
The report adds that when the Argentine signed with the Manchester club, an exit clause of £43.4m was included in the agreement, and considering Lewandowski's age and his ongoing absence due to injury, Barcelona manager Xavi and sporting director Deco are eager to secure backup for the Polish international.
However, Blaugrana are not the only side keeping tabs on the 23-year-old player, as Real Madrid are also considering a move for him, particularly if their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe falls through next season.
Alvarez has already netted six goals in 13 matches for Manchester City in all competitions this season while also contributing five assists.
Owing to his performance, the World Cup winner was handed a new five-year contract at the Etihad towards the end of last season that doubled his wages to approximately £100,000 per week.
Devesh Jaganath
