The £70m stunning striker who Chelsea must make their next summer signing

If it’s true, then it’s an absolute no-brainer. According to reports, Manchester City could be willing to listen to offers of £70 million or more for Julian Alvarez this summer, and right there in amongst the clubs considering bids for the Argentine are Chelsea. Three words and three words only; make it happen.

As per The Sun, Alvarez, who has consistently played second fiddle to Erling Haaland since arriving at the Etihad a couple of years ago, is eager to seek out more regular first team football, and as such, could quietly push for a move in the coming weeks and months. To that end, the defending Premier League champions would entertain the notion of a sale, but only if a notable fee is coughed up first.

It is understood that Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are both keeping tabs on Alvarez, while Atletico Madrid are also keen, but would prefer a loan deal with an option to buy - which does not suit City quite as much as the prospect of a permanent transfer. In that regard, however, The Sun claim that neither Chelsea or PSG are particularly willing to meet the South American’s £70 million price tag this summer.

But perhaps they should reconsider that stance, if at all possible. Where Chelsea in particular are concerned, Alvarez very much has the look of a missing puzzle piece. It is no great secret that the Blues could benefit from serious reinforcement at the point of their attack, and there are few viable candidates who feel as obviously suited to their cause.

Still only 24, the versatile forward has already won a World Cup, a Champions League, a Copa America, a Copa Libertadores, two Premier League titles, and an FA Cup. The counter-argument, especially where his successes with City are concerned, would be that he has been something of a passenger throughout considerable swathes of the past two campaigns, but the reality is that he has very much been a contributing member of Pep Guardiola’s squad. Over the course of 103 outings has registered 36 goals and a further 18 assists, which is by no means a lacklustre return, especially when you consider how often he starts on the bench.

What he really needs to thrive, however, is the opportunity to be the main man at a club with genuine ambition. Chelsea could undoubtedly offer him that chance, and in doing so would be bringing in a player who has shown on numerous occasions that he has the potential to establish himself as a truly world class talent.

And then, of course, there is the fact that Alvarez is accustomed to the Premier League. Whereas several of Chelsea’s other striking targets would bring with them an element of risk - or at the very least, a possible period of adjustment - the Argentine knows the English top flight well, and has already proven that he has what it takes to be a resounding success. That has to count for something.

Price is obviously the issue here, and Chelsea’s struggles with Profit and Sustainability regulations could come heavily into play. But if there is any way that they can free up the funds required to make a decent bid for Alvarez, then they surely have to go for it. Opportunities to sign players of his ilk don’t come along all that often.