Atletico Madrid are ‘confident’ that they are set to seal a deal with Manchester City for wantaway forward Julian Alvarez, HITC understands.
HITC revealed in July that Atletico had spoken with Alvarez’s representatives about a move to the Spanish capital.
City have long insisted that they did not want to lose Alvarez, who made it clear earlier in the summer that he was unhappy with his role at the club and was looking to move on.
Now, having competed in the Copa America and the Olympics this summer with Argentina, Alvarez’s camp has reiterated his stance to the club and that has been relayed to boss Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City to sanction Julian Alvarez sale to Atletico
HITC can now reveal that City are ready to sanction his departure. As a rule, Guardiola does not like to keep unhappy players and precedents in the past have been set with the likes of Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus all departing after revealing their desires to quit the club.
City managed to keep Bernardo Silva last summer when he agitated for a move and rewarded him with a new contract, but the same opportunity will not arise with Alvarez who has made it clear of his desire to leave.
Both Chelsea and the Saudi Pro League had seen enquiries rebuffed for Alvarez, whilst Arsenal had also shown an interest – but Atletico are on the brink of sealing his signature.
HITC can confirm that City’s stance has now softened over Alvarez and that has seen talks accelerate with Atletico in recent days.
City set to sell Alvarez in club record deal
HITC previously revealed that City would be open to a deal at £70million and it has now transpired that is the figure at which the English champions will indeed do business – which represents a club record for the Premier League giants surpassing their previous top sale set when selling Raheem Sterling to Chelsea in 2022 for around £50million.
HITC can also reveal that as talks between City and Atletico near a conclusion, personal terms with Alvarez have been agreed in principle, and it will see him receive a significant pay-rise and become one of the highest earners at the Civitas Metropolitano.
As Atletico near a deal for Alvarez, sources have also confirmed that they are close to sealing a deal with Chelsea to sell Samu Omorudion – whilst also bringing in Conor Gallagher from Stamford Bridge.
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