Chelsea hijack Real Madrid move for Man City star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Apr 2023 11:37 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea will rival Real Madrid for the signature of Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine World Cup winner has impressed at the Etihad this season, but concerns over insufficient game time have engendered reports that he could be looking to leave the Cityzens after merely 12 months at the club.

Given the record-breaking form of Erling Haaland, the 23-year-old has had to play second fiddle for most of the season, making 38 appearances primarily as a substitute. Despite the limited game time, the Argentine has still hit a solid 14 goals and four assists across all competitions, showing what a shrewd pick-up the €21.4 million former River Plate man was.

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Such a talented young player can't be content with being merely second choice, and indeed Spanish outlet Fichajes are now reporting that two clubs are set to battle it out to secure his services.

Stamford Bridge or the Bernabeu?

Early reports linked Alvarez to Real Madrid, who are keen to bring in a new striker to replace the ageing and oft-injured Karim Benzema. Los Blancos are also believed to have shortlisted the Argentine's City teammate Erling Haaland for 2024, but Alvarez may be a more realistic short-term option.

Now, however, fresh information suggests that Chelsea are looking to hijack any potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu. The Blues have emerged as a credible destination for the 23-year-old as they currently lack a reliable, natural striker. Kai Havertz is not a centre-forward by trade and the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and loaned-out Romelu Lukaku look set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

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Therefore, Alvarez could be an ideal option, but the uncertainty looming over Chelsea's coaching position may make a quick deal difficult to pull off, which gives Real an advantage. Ultimately, though, the ball is in Manchester City's court.