Manchester City striker in talks with PSG, as sensational Kylian Mbappe replacement: report

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on April 1, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
(Image credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Manchester City are facing the prospect of losing a striker to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, as the French champions plot to replace Kylian Mbappe.

PSG saw their record scorer depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer and now face the task of rebuilding their attack. Thus far, midfielder Joao Neves has agreed a move from Benfica but a new marquee forward is yet to join.

Victor Osimhen has been touted as a potential option for the Ligue 1 outfit. Now, however, it seems as if attention has turned to Manchester City, as Luis Enrique looks to conquer Europe without the talismanic Mbappe. 

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 3 March 2024.

Osimhen is linked with PSG this summer (Image credit: Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Journalist Santi Aouna has posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Julian Alvarez is a serious target for PSG. Apparently, a contract has been offered to the Argentine, with discussions opening with City over a move. 

Alvarez is currently in Paris on international duty. The forward has stated that his attention is firmly on the Olympic tournament he's competing in, but is reportedly seeking a new challenge and regular game-time away from the Etihad Stadium. 

VIDEO How Enzo Maresca Will Set Up At Chelsea

The Athletic have reported on Atletico Madrid's interest in the star, following Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo previously revealing talks had taken place between the pair via a post on X (formerly Twitter). Valuation, however, may be an issue for Atleti, with City wanting at least £70 million for the superstar.

In FourFourTwo's view, the PSG interest may be genuine, as Alvarez would suit the kind of intense play from the front that the French side lack. As FFT noted last month, the price was always going to be a stumbling block for Atletico – but it's less of an issue for PSG. 

Argentina 2024 Olympics squad ulian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates after scoring during the first half of the semi-final match between Canada and Argentina in the CONMEBOL Copa America USA 2024 at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Julian Alvarez is wanted by PSG (Image credit: Getty Images)

There is a chance though that PSG's interest is being played up, in order to force Atletico into action. Diego Simeone is said to be very keen on the player – and the thought of him leaving for a European rival might nudge the Madrid giants to make a move. 

Alvarez is valued at €90m by Transfermarkt. His contract expires in 2028.

More Manchester City stories

Manchester City could let Julian Alvarez leave as part of a swap deal that sees Rodrygo arrive in the opposite direction. The Argentine has even discussed his future while at the Olympic Games. 

Kalvin Phillips is set to depart, meanwhile, as the Premier League has punished City for rule-breaking. In other news, David James has commented on off-field issues affecting the champions

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.