Julian Alvarez close to joining Atletico Madrid - Ornstein

Cameron Smith

• 5 Aug 2024 16:35 BST
• 3 min read

Atletico Madrid are close to reaching an agreement to sign Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

The Argentina international is eager to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, having played second fiddle to Erling Haaland for two years, and he is now on the verge of joining Diego Simeone’s side.

A total agreement has not yet been reached, but Atletico Madrid are negotiating a final payment structure with Man City, while personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

As per Ornstein, Atletico are set to pay a minimum of €81 million to sign Alvarez, with Man City set to turn a huge profit on the 24-year-old.

The Argentine forward joined Man City from River Plate for €21.4m back in 2022 and they will earn at least five times more than that when his move to the Wanda Metropolitano is confirmed.

Alvarez scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 59 appearances for Man City last season, and he helped the club win their fourth consecutive Premier league title. However, he is unsettled in England and is pushing to leave the club this summer.

READ MORE: Who are the most expensive transfers of the summer?

Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are also interested in the Argentina forward, but Atletico are now close to finalising a deal.

Samu Omorodion to Chelsea?

Alvarez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid will come as a huge boost to Chelsea, who are hoping to sign Samu Omorodion from the Spanish giants.

With Alvarez set to arrive, Simeone’s side have softened their resistance to selling the 20-year-old, and Chelsea are hoping to seal a move for around €40m.

In addition, Atletico are also on the verge of signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. The England international has agreed personal terms with the LaLiga club and is set to be announced as an Atleti player very soon.