Aston Villa are set to hold talks with the agent of Argentina international Julian Alvarez this week as the £15 million-rated River Plate winger eyes a move to European football, as reported by Calciomercato.
Ten years ago, Alvarez was left heartbroken after missing out on a dream move to Real Madrid.
But, rather than let his head drop, Alvarez bounced back, channelling that disappointment into motivation.
While a return to the Santiago Bernabeu appears to be out of his reach for now, the diminutive winger is about to take one giant step towards realising his European dream at last.
According to Calciomercato, Alvarez has his heart set on seeking a move across the Atlantic before the August 31 transfer deadline.
His agent, Fernando Hidalgo, will hold talks with Premier League giants Aston Villa and Eredivisie champions Ajax later this week too, with a pair of former European champions going head-to-head for his £15 million-rated signature.
Will Aston Villa sign Lionel Messi’s Argentina teammate?
And fear not Villa fans; the ‘new Jack Grealish’ he most certainly is not.
Alvarez prefers to play on the right rather than the left, suggesting that he would play alongside, rather than instead of the talismanic captain in Dean Smith’s starting XI.
Direct, positive and an emphatic finisher, Alvarez is more like Anwar El Ghazi 2.0.
After producing 11 goals and assists in 20 games for River Plate last term, the youngster was even chosen ahead of Sevilla schemer Lucas Ocampos for Argentina’s 2021 Copa America squad.
“I have a soft spot for Julián Álvarez,” former Albiceleste ace Gonzalo Higuain said last year, at a time when the winger was being linked with a move to his Juventus side.
“I really like how he plays and he has great potential.”
Should Alvarez arrive and join forces with Emi Buendia at Villa Park, Dean Smith’s side could be one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides in 2021/22 – especially if Grealish remains for one more year at his boyhood club.
One thing is for sure, Ollie Watkins certainly won’t be short of ammunition.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
