Mauro Camoranesi backs reported West Ham transfer target Julian Alvarez to leave River Plate for Europe, but has told Calciomercato.it he doubts the striker is ready for a top side.
Alvarez has produced a sensational campaign at the El Monumental this season to help Los Millonarios win the Primera Division. They clinched their first title since 2014 with the Argentine bagging an incredible 17 goals in 19 games, starting 16.
His haul includes netting four against Patronato, three over San Lorenzo and two against Newell’s Old Boys and Boca Juniors. He has also laid on seven assists over his outings.
Alvarez’s campaign caps a remarkable rise for the five-cap forward, who made his senior international debut in June. Marcelo Gallardo awarded the 21-year-old his first-team bow in 2018, but he never showed the level of prolific finishing potential as he offered this year.
Reports by El Intransigente now cite West Ham among the many clubs exploring a transfer for River Plate’s Alvarez. But Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also keen, and face paying a €20m (£17m) release clause.
Camoranesi issues honest verdict on Alvarez transfer, amid West Ham interest
Camoranesi, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy, doubts Alvarez is quite ready to play for an elite-level side. Instead, he suspects a move to a lesser level will be his best option.
“He is a player who has done a lot in a short time,” Camoranesi said. “In six-months, he scored an avalanche of goals.
“River is a team used to bringing out many quality players. He is ready for Europe, for me, but an intermediate step in a medium-level league would be better. I don’t bet he can do well right away.”
West Ham would not see themselves as a bridge club, but could offer Alvarez the step up in level from River Plate that Camoranesi believes he needs first with a transfer next year.
The Irons are fighting to prove themselves as a continual threat to the Premier League top-six and qualify for Europe. They are also contending well in the Europa League this season.
Moyes is struggling to sign a backup striker to support Michail Antonio in their efforts in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, Europe and soon the FA Cup, however. Reports by the Daily Mail claim forwards are reluctant to wear claret-and-blue knowing they will be the reserve.
Alvarez could be willing to rival Antonio at West Ham to show his worth in Europe after his breakthrough season. Thus, giving both the player and club a mutually beneficial transfer.
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