Man City set HUGE asking price for wantaway star

James Shearman

• Updated: 26 Jul 2024 11:08 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester City have reportedly set a huge asking price for wantaway forward Julian Alvarez.

The Argentinian, who is representing his country at the Paris 2024 Olympics, wants to move elsewhere.

Two key reasons for his desire to leave are that he is keen for more playing time and to be in a warmer climate.

READ MORE: Latest Man City transfer rumours

With the new Premier League campaign just weeks away, this is far from an ideal situation for Man City, who are seemingly reluctant to lose Alvarez this summer.

According to The Athletic, Pep Guardiola's side have set an asking price of £60 million, with a further £17m in potential add-ons.

Chelsea have been linked with a move, having signed Cole Palmer from City last year, but a move to West London would not solve Alvarez's climate issue.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, would be able to meet both of the Argentinian's demands.

However, there is simply no chance that Atletico meet City's enormous valuation - something has to give.

Man City's transfer business

Guardiola announced in a recent interview that he does not expect City to be particularly busy this transfer window, though he did not rule out some signings and sales.

FootballTransfers understands that his side are big admirers of Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze and that they would love to sign him.

However, they have concerns about meeting the £60 million (€71m) valuation that has been placed on him. No official contact has as yet taken place with the England star.

If Man City intend to firm up their interest, they will first have to secure some outgoings. Midfielder Matheus Nunes, who only joined from Wolves for €62m last summer, is the most likely high-profile player to depart amid interest from Tottenham.

Sources also reiterated that Kalvin Phillips is expected to leave. The midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham but massively struggled to perform.