Fabrizio Romano confirms how much Arsenal must pay for Man City rebel

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 4 Aug 2024 10:47 BST
4 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal must pay an “important” fee if they wish to sign Julian Alvarez from Manchester City this summer.

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Romano reports that Álvarez's agent will be in Europe next week to discuss the Argentine’s future with Man City.

The Italian reporter says that Manchester City are open to letting him leave if Alvarez pushes for an exit.

However, City will only sanction a sale for an “important fee and won't accept bids in the region of €40/50m.”

It had been reported in recent days that City would accept bids in that region, rather than an initially quoted price of €70-80 upwards.

But a transfer will now be costly for Arsenal and Alvarez’s three other interested suitors, PSG, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea.

It is understood that Alvarez is unhappy with his lack of playing time at the Etihad.

The Argentine has turned down a new contract and has asked to leave the club this summer.

Alvarez admitted these last days that he is considering leaving the club.

“I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do. Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team,” Alvarez said as he competes with Argentina at the Olympics.

“But it’s true: in the end, in some important games, it’s not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision. I haven’t stopped to think things through calmly.

“Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself.”

Pep Guardiola responded by saying that Alvarez must make up his mind on whether he wants to leave or stay.

"I knew that he [Álvarez] said that he is going to think about it,” Guardiola said.

"When he finishes thinking about it, his agent is going to call [City football director] Txiki [Begiristain] and we are going to see what happens. I know he wants to play in important moments but the others [do] too. I have 18 or 19 players that want to play important games.

"He played a lot but if he wants more, it's fine. When he thinks about it he'll inform us."

© IMAGO - Julian Alvarez could leave Man CIty

Alvarez at Man City

Alvarez joined Man CIty from River Plate in 2022 for €17m as one of the most wanted players in South America.

However, despite being an important player in the squad, he has mainly been a substitute or rotation player at the club, with Erling Haaland the first-choice striker under Pep Guardiola.

He has still managed a respectable 36 goals in all competitions for City despite his lack of minutes, winning the treble in his first season and six trophies in total.

Alvarez also played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph as he scored three times on their way to victory in Qatar.