Chelsea gifted dream Julian Alvarez transfer scenario as Man City ace ignites striker switch

Chelsea and centre-forwards have a long history of failed moves, uninspiring performances and constant dipping back in the transfer market for replacements. Andriy Shevchenko, Radamel Falcao, Fernando Torres, Gonzalo Higuain and Alvaro Morato have all moved to Stamford Bridge in the hope of hitting the same goal-scoring heights and success such as Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.

However, for some reason or another, they have failed. Last summer, Nicolas Jackson was signed from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku moved from RB Leipzig. The initial plan was to build around Nkunku as the main centre-forward and have Jackson slowly implemented into the picture. Instead, Jackson played 44 times (39 starts) and Nkunku managed just 14 games all season, starting just two.

This summer, under Enzo Maresca, the Blues remain in the market for a new striker. Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Viktor Gyokeres have all been constant names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but they are yet to act . Youngster Marc Guiu has arrived from Barcelona but he isn’t expected to be immediately placed into the first team.

Chelsea have already signed five players this summer with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman and Renato Veiga all joining Guiu through the door. Centre- forward remains a priority for the Blues and they have been handed a boost in regards to one of their targets.

Manchester City star Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to west London despite being an important player for Pep Guardiola. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have been mentioned as potential destinations but any deal has stalled due to his participation at Copa America. Unfortunately for City, it looks destined that he could be on the move this summer following reports he has turned down a new contract.

According to El Chiringuito (via the Daily Mail), the Argentinian forward has rejected a deal that would keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2028. It’s said he turned down the contract extension at the end of last season and instead demanded City to set a ‘logical’ asking price for potential buyers. Alvarez has scored 36 goals in two seasons in England, winning the Premier League twice.

football.london understands that Chelsea want to sign a No.9 but are wary of hampering Jackson’s development and progress. Alvarez’s availability could be the perfect profile to compliment Jackson. Alvarez has spent his two years at City as second choice striker to Erling Haaland, mainly used off the bench or playing behind the Norway international. News of his decision to turn down a new deal at City could hand Maresca a dream scenario of having two sound options in attack.