Manchester City are set to sell Julian Alvarez but Pep Guardiola’s men don’t seem ready to hijack Barcelona’s latest transfer.
Pep Guardiola has been consistent in recent years; he won’t keep anybody that doesn’t want to be at Manchester City.
Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Raheem Sterling were all let go in 2022.
Last summer, Cole Palmer, Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte were sold as City continued to bring in cash.
It’s the turn of Julian Alvarez this time as the Argentinian closes in on a move away from the Etihad Stadium.
HITC understands that Alvarez is close to signing for Atletico Madrid despite some interest from Arsenal.
Dani Olmo heading to Barcelona
City may now look to replace Alvarez in the final weeks of the transfer window and many expected interest in Dani Olmo.
The RB Leipzig playmaker dazzled at Euro 2024 and helped Spain win the final against England.
An attacking midfielder who can score and create, Olmo seemed to be the ideal complement to Kevin De Bruyne before potentially taking over from the Belgian as City’s chief playmaker.
Pep Guardiola has even confirmed his admiration for Olmo.
Speaking in 2019, Guardiola told The Mirror that he felt Olmo was a simply ‘incredible’ player.
“He’s a top player- he has a bright future, of course,” said Guardiola. “His performance today shows it. About the transfer and the money he deserves, that is not the point. The point is he is an incredible player and I am pretty sure he is able to play in the strong leagues in Europe,” he added.
Guardiola was at it again in 20221, calling Olmo ‘fantastic’ whilst playing down links with a move to City.
A move to City this summer just seemed to add up but the Spaniard will not be arriving at the Etihad Stadium.
HITC understands that City have been kept informed of Olmo’s situation this summer but they have not made a move to hijack a potential switch to Barcelona.
City appear to have weighed up a move and have decided not to challenge Barca for his signature.
Sky Germany reporter Philipp Hinze has now posted footage of Olmo heading for the airport ahead of finalising his move to Barcelona.
Olmo was previously in the Barca ranks but was sent to Dinamo Zagreb in exchange for Alen Halilovic.
Whilst Halilovic didn’t live up to his ‘wonderkid’ billing, Olmo has become a star – and Barcelona are now paying to bring him back.
Who could City sign instead of Olmo?
Olmo to City can seemingly be ruled out once and for all but Guardiola and co may eye other signings once Alvarez moves on.
HITC understands that City are keen on Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Pedro Neto is also on the radar at the Etihad Stadium.
City may end up trusting what they already have though with Savio and James McAtee in contention.
Savio has joined City from Girona this summer whilst McAtee is back after a spell on loan with Sheffield United.
Not moving for Olmo shows that City have a very specific idea in mind and may back their own talents to get the job done.
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