Manchester City sound out Atletico Madrid over surprise Julian Alvarez loan

Manchester City have made an approach to Atletico Madrid to explore the possibility of re-signing Julian Alvarez on loan, adding a new and unexpected dimension to the uncertainty surrounding the Argentina striker’s future in the final days of the transfer window.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, City contacted Atletico in recent hours to establish whether the Spanish club would consider allowing Alvarez to leave temporarily. Pep Guardiola’s side are dealing with an attacking shortage following the departures of Omar Marmoush and Savinho, prompting the club to reconsider Alvarez as a possible solution.

The move is surprising because Alvarez chose to leave City two years ago. He had struggled to secure the prominent role he wanted at the Etihad Stadium while competing with Erling Haaland, and moved to Atletico in search of greater responsibility and more opportunities to demonstrate his ability.

However, a return to England remains far from straightforward. City’s contact with Atletico is understood to have gone no further than an initial enquiry, while the club faces the same obstacles that have prevented Arsenal from making decisive progress in their pursuit of the player.

The biggest difficulty could be Alvarez’s own position. The striker is not currently believed to be enthusiastic about returning to the Premier League. Atletico are also maintaining a firm stance and are unwilling to consider an agreement unless it delivers exceptional financial benefits for the club. Alvarez is valued at more than 150m euros.

The uncertainty has also affected the player’s recent involvement with Atletico. After missing three consecutive training sessions, Alvarez returned to work on Friday evening, completing an individual session alongside several members of the coaching staff. The programme was arranged by the club as part of his preparation and appeared to reflect an effort to restore calm while questions over his future continue.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone has adopted a measured approach to the situation. Before the match against Sevilla, the Argentine confirmed that Alvarez would not be available and would not travel with the squad.

Simeone did not criticise the striker, instead stressing that Atletico’s management had a strong and clearly defined position. He also made clear that he hoped Alvarez would remain at the club.

City’s enquiry therefore introduces another possible destination into a developing transfer saga, but there is no indication yet that a loan agreement is close. Atletico’s valuation, Alvarez’s reported reluctance to return to English football and the club’s determination to protect its position all stand in the way of a deal.

For now, City have only tested the situation, while Alvarez’s immediate future remains unresolved at Atletico Madrid.