Manchester City transfer target has ‘no plans to join them’ despite Julian Alvarez exit

Etihad Stadium officials are likely to be faced by disappointment when it comes to their hopes of securing one name to potentially replace Julian Alvarez this summer.

The Argentina international is expected to be formally announced as a new player of Atletico Madrid in the coming hours, having elected to bring an end to his time at Manchester City in search of more consistent game time.

That game time revolves around the leading striker role in particular, having established himself as one of the most prolific and important players in the City squad last season, albeit in an attacking midfield role.

The exit of the 24-year-old will leave Manchester City lighter in both midfield and attack, and as such officials within the Premier League champions are likely to assess the market for potential replacements, whether that be in the striker role or elsewhere.

But one name of interest to Etihad Stadium bosses appears very unlikely to be making a switch to English football this summer, despite holding a public admiration for the style of play being put on show by Pep Guardiola and his players.

According to the information of Spanish newspaper AS, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is included in Manchester City’s transfer target list this summer, with Pep Guardiola especially keen on the forward.

It is explained that both the Brazilian international and his entourage feel his comments are ‘still valid’ with regards to City being “the best club in the world”, however the 23-year-old has no intention of making a switch to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

City themselves are claimed to have ‘sought out’ Rodrygo on several occasions, but have not made an offer so far for the player’s services, with it further pointed out that the South American is not considering joining even if Pep Guardiola personally calls to convince him.

Rodrygo has previously shut down the idea of a move to Manchester City, speaking in light of his Champions League win with Real Madrid last season by admitting, “This week some media said about bids, clubs, interest… I don’t know anything about it and I’m not interested.”

The Real Madrid forward continued after victory against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, “Even if there are proposals, I have no idea… I’m staying. I’m happy here. How can I leave Real Madrid?!”

Manchester City have been linked with a number of potential new names across their squad this summer, with interest in the likes of Eberechi Eze and Bruno Guimaraes, but with both potential deals highly complex at unlikely at this stage of the window.