JULIAN ALVAREZ is the subject of transfer interest from Barcelona reports suggest.
The Manchester City star has enjoyed an electric start to the season, scoring six goals and adding five assists.
However, Pep Guardiola may soon come under pressure to keep the 23-year-old.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are looking at Julian Alvarez as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Like Alvarez, Lewandowski has had an impressive start to the season with six goals and four assists, but with a 12-year difference in age the pair are at the opposite end of their respective careers.
Sport's report suggests both Barca boss Xavi and sporting director and ex-Chelsea star Deco admire Alvarez, with Xavi particularly impressed by his versatility and eye for goal.
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The forward was a key member of the Argentina team which lifted the World Cup in Qatar.
City completed the signing of Alvarez for just £14million from River Plate in January 2022 off the back of him being named the South American Footballer of the Year for 2021.
It is claimed Alvarez has a release clause worth £43.4m (€50m).
Despite the transfer links, Guardiola and City technical director Txiki Begiristain have no intention of parting ways with him.
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Alvarez has a contract with last season's Treble winners until 2028.
While he is more than capable of playing as an out-and-out striker, Alvarez has been deployed behind Erling Haaland in a slightly deeper role this season, partly owing to the injury of Kevin de Bruyne.
Man City host Brighton on Saturday at 3pm, before a Champions League trip to Swiss side BSC Young Boys and the Manchester derby.
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