River Plate know they’ll struggle to tie Julian Alvarez down to an improved contract after Tottenham Hotspur joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the race for his signature, as reported by TYC Sport.
If Alvarez was thought to be a man in demand a few months ago – when Aston Villa had presumably identified him as a potential Jack Grealish successor – he certainly is now.
River’s number nine has taken his already impressive game to a new level this season, confidence coursing through his veins after contributing to Argentina’s Copa America glory.
In just 11 games, he’s scored seven goals and provided four assists.
What’s more, as South American publication InfoBae pointed out last week, no player under the age of 21 in world football has provided as many key passes this season as Alvarez, although we’d imagine Phil Foden is giving him a good run for his money.
No wonder interest is on the rise.
Calciomercato believes Tottenham, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan as well as long-term admirers Aston Villa are already putting plans in place for a potential January swoop.
And there’s little River can do to stop Alvarez packing his bags and taking his free-flowing fleet-footed style across the Atlantic.
There’s a £22 million release clause in the youngster’s contract – not an insignificant sum by any means but a possible bargain when you consider Alvarez’s vast potential.
Could Julian Alvarez be on the move to Tottenham or Aston Villa at last?
According to TYC, River Plate also know coming to an agreement on a new deal – one that would presumably delete or raise his release clause – would be easier said than done.
Alvarez’s current deal expires in December 2022, meaning a fee far lower than £22 million may have to be accepted at some point in the next 12 months or so.
“He is a fantastic player. This (transfer rumour) will warm the cockles of the heart of every Villa supporter. He reminds me of the great Gary Shaw,” said South American expert Tim Vickery, highlighting the similarities between Alvarez and Villa’s 1982 European Cup winner.
“Alvarez is very mobile. He’s really bright and intelligent, he can take the ball any way it comes, he combines very well.
“He’s a really classy player and, if Villa do land him, there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful.”
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