Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez is reportedly in discussions over extending his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old signed for the Citizens for around £14m in January 2022 and immediately returned to boyhood club River Plate on loan before linking up with Pep Guardiola‘s side last summer.

Alvarez has had to play second fiddle behind Erling Braut Haaland during his first season at the club, starting only 12 of his 30 appearances in all competitions.

However, the forward has still managed to find the net 10 times this term, including five goals in the Premier League, with his latest strike coming in the 4-1 away victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Alvarez elevated his reputation on the global stage when he starred for 2022 World Cup winners Argentina in Qatar, contributing with four goals and one assists in seven matches.

Alvarez is under contract at the Etihad until the summer of 2027, but there has been speculation about the forward’s long-term future at the club, with Sport claiming that he is ‘concerned’ about his peripheral first-team role under Guardiola.

The same report also claims that Barcelona are keeping tabs on his situation and have identified the youngster as someone who could provide competition for 34-year-old Robert Lewandowski in attack.

However, according to Football Insider, Man City have opened talks with Alvarez over a lucrative new contract, with the reigning Premier League champions keen to reward the Argentine for his progress since joining the club.

The report adds that Alvarez is currently earning around £50,000 a week, but his proposed new deal will see him become one of the highest earners at the club.

Alvarez is in contention to start for Man City when they travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City in Tuesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie, and speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola praised the forward’s impact with the first team.

“[Julian is] so quick. When he plays behind Erling, it means we have one more man in the box,” Guardiola told reporters at a press conference on Monday.

“He scored in both pockets – always he is there. We need an extra man in the 18-yard box and this helps Erling score goals too.”

Alvarez is not the only Citizens star who could be in line for a new contract, as defender Nathan Ake is reportedly in talks over extending his deal which runs until June 2025.

SOURCE: sportsmole.co.uk