Manchester City are reportedly prepared to keep hold of Julian Alvarez despite interest for the attacker from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a productive start to the term for the Citizens, scoring four goals and providing three assists in nine Premier League appearances.
Alvarez started behind Erling Haaland on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion visited the Etihad Stadium, and the forward netted his side's opener in the contest after just seven minutes.
The attacker also has immense international pedigree at such a young age, having lifted the World Cup with Argentina during last year's tournament in Qatar.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City are very confident of being able to keep hold of Alvarez past the conclusion of this season, despite interest from some of Europe's biggest outfits.
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The report claims that the Argentine has admirers in La Liga, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona keen on bringing the 23-year-old to the Bernabeu and Camp Nou respectively in 2024.
It is understood that both Barca and Los Blancos have held discussions with Man City over a potential move, however the Citizens are not in a rush to sell the player.
Alvarez signed a fresh deal in Manchester back in March, extending his stay at Pep Guardiola's treble winners to the summer of 2028, meaning that the Premier League champions could drive a hard bargain in potential negotiations.
The former River Plate man has become increasingly important for the Citizens this term amid the continued absence of chief creator Kevin De Bruyne.
He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury provoked during the win at newly-promoted Burnley on the opening day of the campaign, with the Belgium international expected back in the New Year.
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Since moving from his homeland in the summer of 2022, Alvarez has netted 24 goals in 63 games, helping Man City to their first-ever Champions League title during his maiden term in England.
It is believed that 13-time European champions Real hold a serious interest in the attacker, with Los Blancos looking to recruit players who can share the goalscoring burden with England's Jude Bellingham.
Carlo Ancelotti's men have scored 23 goals on their way to the summit of the La Liga table after 10 matches, and former Borussia Dortmund man Bellingham has made the net ripple on eight occasions in the league.
Alvarez and his City teammates will be looking to regain their spot at the top of the Premier League standings as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.
