Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has revealed that Julian Alvarez will likely remain with the club next season amid plenty of loan interest in the young striker.
The prolific 22-year-old was signed from River Plate in January before being loaned back to the Argentine giants until the summer. Alvarez has netted 14 times in just 17 appearances since, including a six-goal haul in the Copa Libertadores group stage victory over Alianza Lima on Thursday.
However, given that Man City have already confirmed the arrival of proven European goalscorer Erling Haaland, there was already uncertainty surrounding Alvarez's future before his time at the Etihad Stadium had even begun.
Indeed, Soriano has confirmed there has been plenty of loan interest in the striker - not least from River Plate, who have made no secret of their desire to keep hold of him until the end of the Argentine season in December.
But City remain intent on involving Alvarez in pre-season in July, and Soriano believes the Argentina international will be in the squad next season.
"We've had many offers from clubs to loan Julian Alvarez, but he is not going to leave," Soriano said. "He will do pre-season with us and I think he will stay."
The chief executive also moved to deny Barcelona's interest in the player when asked if the Blaugrana were among those who had been in contact, adding: "Barcelona? No, Barca were not interested."
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Speaking after Alvarez's six-goal haul in the Libertadores, River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo said: “If [City] want to loan us the player until the end of the year, we have no problem and we will be very grateful.
"We tell them that we are going to prepare a footballer who is already clearly mature to make the jump, but we could give him even more flight. But Guardiola won’t listen to my request. We would be very grateful if you can leave us Julian until the end of the year."
Source : 90min