Manchester City are set to make their first big sale of the summer, with Julian Alvarez primed to complete a move to Atletico Madrid.
The Argentina international has been the subject of speculation for weeks now, after growing tired of his role in the squad.
In the second half of last season, Alvarez found minutes hard to come by. He had started the season very much in favour, but lost prominence following the returns of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland from injury.
Alvarez has had interest from a number of clubs, including City’s Premier League title rivals Arsenal.
But it is Atletico who have won the race, with a deal set to be announced very soon. The transfer fee will be £82 million.
The story has moved quite quickly, and it will now be very interesting to see what City do. Will the club sign a replacement? Or look within?
There are some Manchester City fans out there who believe there is one perfect candidate to replace Alvarez.
Some Manchester City fans think Oscar Bobb is the ideal replacement for Julian Alvarez
- READ MORE: Three potential replacements for Julian Alvarez as Man City striker nears Atletico Madrid move
Getting £82 million for Alvarez is really good business from City, considering just £14 million was spent signing him.
But Alvarez has had a relatively high output since becoming a City player, scoring 36 goals and making 18 assists in 103 appearances for the club.
Alvarez could definitely make things happen in the final third.
It is going to be so interesting to see what City do, but some fans reckon Oscar Bobb might be the ideal replacement for Alvarez.
Bobb was the standout performer on City’s US tour, and is an attacking player capable of playing anywhere across the forward line – including up top.
Bobb’s time to shine?
- Who is Oscar Bobb? Step inside the life of the starlet playmaker set to take Man City by storm
It would be amazing to see Bobb play a bigger role for City this season.
It has been clear to see in pre-season what a talent he is, and this could well now be his chance.
Bobb has the versatility to be able to play in the middle, and Pep has previously talked about how good he is in the pockets of space.
He has played as a striker and a false nine before. Or if Pep doesn’t see him as a direct Alvarez replacement, then perhaps he’ll do with Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne to play as a false nine if Haaland is unavailable, with Bobb to play from the right.
