Chelsea’s pursuit of Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has hit a snag, with the Premier League champions slapping a staggering £70 million price tag on the Argentine forward.
Alvarez, who has been seeking more regular playing time due to Erling Haaland’s dominance as City’s first-choice striker, has been linked with a move to Chelsea.
However, City’s hefty valuation may deter the Blues from making a move.
Chelsea has already made seven signings this transfer window, including striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona, but is still in the market for a senior forward.
The club’s ownership is keen to avoid overpaying for a center-forward and is taking a cautious approach as the transfer deadline nears.
Alvarez’s price tag, reported to be an initial £59 million with potential add-ons of £17 million, may be seen as justifiable given his achievements, including a World Cup, Copa America, Champions League, and two Premier League titles.
However, Chelsea is wary of Financial Fair Play regulations and faces losses on previous big-money signings like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The club is exploring ways to generate funds, including the sale of fringe players like Lukaku and Arrizabalaga, as well as academy graduates like Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja.
The sale of Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa for £37.5 million has already generated pure profit for the club.
Chelsea’s stance on the Alvarez transfer is cautious, with the club unwilling to meet City’s valuation.
The Blues may need to offload several players to raise funds and balance their books before making a move for the Argentine striker.
With the transfer deadline looming, Chelsea’s pursuit of Alvarez remains uncertain, and the club may need to explore alternative options to strengthen their attacking lineup.
