Julian Alvarez on the move? Atletico Madrid confident of signing Argentine forward in €60m deal with five-year contract waiting for him

The La Liga outfit view Alvarez as a potential star for Diego Simeone’s squad, and according to ESPN the Spanish club have made significant progress in negotiations. Atletico remain optimistic that the player’s enthusiasm for joining the club will facilitate smoother negotiations with City.

The proposed agreement would see Alvarez signing a five-year contract, cementing his future in Madrid. While €60m is a hefty sum for Atletico, the club's board is prepared to make this substantial investment to meet Simeone's requirements after Alvaro Morata left for AC Milan earlier in the summer.

Pep Guardiola has consistently maintained that City players who wish to leave can do so, provided a suitable offer is received. This stance gives Atlético hope that their bid for Alvarez will be entertained. Nonetheless, the striker's representatives have been reticent about commenting on his potential move to Atlético. They plan to resume discussions with City after the Olympics to clarify the club’s plans for the Argentine striker. Alvarez's desire for regular first-team football is a driving factor in his potential move. Atletico offers him the opportunity to become a key player, something that has been elusive at City due to the presence of Erling Haaland.

The acquisition of Alvarez is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Atletico's squad and provide Simeone with the tools necessary to compete at the highest level. The club are looking to overhaul their attacking department ahead of the season and are also in talks with Villarreal for the transfer of Alexander Sorloth to replace Morata and Memphis Depay.