Manchester City had a topsy-turvy 2023-24 season after they clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League title but finished runners-up in the FA Cup and bowed out of the Champions League in the quarterfinal stage. While their last few seasons have been unprecedented with star players showing their class, one player has been the unsung hero during that period. Julian Alvarez has been in the spotlight despite playing second fiddle at the Manchester club and has secretly held talks with Pep Guardiola about traveling to France for the Olympics.
Alvarez wants to play for Argentina
With the Copa America set to start in the third week of June, the Argentine striker will be on the plane to the United States. However, it is still not guaranteed whether the 24-year-old will get enough playing time, which could again restrict his action at the international level. He already gets limited chances at Manchester City to feature as Erling Haaland carries the baton of first-team striker.
It is now reported that the player has held secret talks with Pep to allow him to feature at the Paris Olympics later in July. The proposal comes as Alvarez reckons he gets limited opportunities at the club and international level with star names around him.
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Technically, only three players over the age of 23 can be included in the Olympic squad, according to FIFA’s mandate for international teams. Now 24, Alvarez will have to slot in one of those three places if he is permitted by the club.
It is reported that Argentina are exploring the option of including Paulo Dybala in the Olympic squad, as he is unlikely to be included in the Copa America squad. For Alvarez, it is not a similar case, as Lionel Scaloni will include him in his Argentina squad.
Manchester City to resist Alvarez?
In this case, Manchester City will resist Argentina from picking Alvarez for both tournaments, while Copa America remains the best option for both club and country. The Olympics are set to coincide with Manchester City’s pre-season, which would make matters interesting. Man City will also start their club season a week early in August, as they will participate in the FA Community Shield at the start of the next season.
With Alvarez participating in the Copa America and then the Paris Olympics, which end on August 11, it would be practically impossible for City to let the player leave and return late without any rest during the summer.
It will be interesting to see what happens next as the Argentine looks to have another impressive international tournament and add to his already impressive trophy cabinet.
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