Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola responds to Julian Alvarez’s comments amid speculation linking the forward with a move away this summer.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided a blunt response to Julian Alvarez‘s comments over his Man City future.
Alvarez has been linked with a move away this summer despite having four years left to run on his Man City contract.
The forward, who is representing Argentina at the 2024 Olympics, has added to the speculation surrounding his future, indicating that he is unhappy with being left out of the Man City side for key games.
“I haven’t stopped to think about what I’m going to do,” Alvarez told DSports Radio. “Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.
“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.”
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Guardiola delivers response to Alvarez comments
While Alvarez is in France, the Man City squad are currently touring the USA in preparation for the new Premier League season.
Guardiola appeared to give a spiky response when he was asked about Alvarez’s comments ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Barcelona in Orlando.
“He said he’d think about it,” Guardiola told reporters. “When he finished thinking about it, his agent is going to call Txiki Begiristain and we see what happens.
“I know he wants to play important moments, yeah. But the other ones [do] too. 18, 19 players as well want to play the big games.
“I read he wants to think about it. Okay, think about it and after that he will inform us what he wants to do. He plays a lot, he wants more? That’s fine. That why, think about it. When he thinks about it he’ll inform us.”
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Who is interested in signing Alvarez?
Spanish side Atletico Madrid are believed to be keen to sign Alvarez, having seen Alvaro Morata complete a move to Italian giants AC Milan.
However, it was recently reported that Diego Simeone‘s side have been joined in the race by London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Gunners are keen to bolster Mikel Arteta‘s squad with a new striker, while Chelsea are looking to recruit a new forward to provide competition to Nicolas Jackson.
However, Man City’s asking price could prove to be a stumbling block in any negotiations, with the Citizens likely to demand £60m plus another £17m in add-ons.