Is a surprise exit on the cards for Manchester City?

So far this summer, it looks like no one of note will be leaving Manchester City. So far this summer, the sale of Sergio Gomez to Real Sociedad has been the only first-team player to leave the champions. At this stage, most of Manchester City’s key players look set to remain at the club next season. But a new report suggests that Julian Alvarez could be about to change that equation.

Tony Robertson has relayed a report from El Chringuito to the Sun that Julian Alvarez has asked to leave Manchester City this summer. Furthermore, it is reported that Alvarez has rejected a new contract offer from City at the end of the 23/24 season. The report adds that Alvarez has asked Manchester City to set a “logical” starting price to sell the World Cup winner.

It would be a surprise if Julian Alvarez were to leave the champions this summer. Pete O’Rourke reported for footballinsider247.com in June that City had no intention of selling the Argentine forward. O’Rourke also reported that Chelsea, PSG and Atletico Madrid were interested in signing Alvarez. Based on O’Rourke’s report, it seemed as though Julian Alvarez’s future had been decided.

But now a new report from the Sun and El Chringuito appears to indicate that the situation surrounding Alvarez has changed. If the report is proven correct, it has the potential to disrupt City’s summer plans. Julian Alvarez is a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He can play in a variety of roles, making him invaluable to the world champions. If he were to ask for a transfer, it would force City to go to the market to find a replacement. That would be no easy task for Manchester City. But there would be a bit to play for before that becomes a scenario the champions would have to contemplate.

However, the new report suggests that there is a possibility that there could be a shock exit from Manchester City. If Julian Alvarez were to indeed leave the world champions, it would be a shock. Now, his future has become a story to watch in the coming weeks. Given his importance to Pep Guardiola’s squad, he is a player that City would struggle to replace. The hope is that the new report is not a sign of things to come this summer. What happens next in regards to Julian Alvarez has the potential to shape City’s summer going forward.