Newcastle United are reportedly preparing a ‘mega offer’ to lure Argentine striker Julian Alvarez to St. James’ Park from River Plate.
According to a report from Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle United are ready to make a big offer to secure the signing of River Plate and Argentina forward Julian Alvarez in January.
Alvarez joined the River Plate youth setup in 2015 and has enjoyed a rapid ascension to first-team football for the South American giants. Having broken into the senior side in 2018, the 21-year-old has made close to 100 appearances, producing a decent return of 36 goals and 25 assists.
Alvarez was in prolific form in the Argentine first division during the 2021 season, as he plundered 18 goals from 21 matches, finishing as the top goalscorer in the competition. His exploits have led to interest from many clubs in Europe, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid among his admirers.
Manchester United have also emerged as a suitor for the 21-year-old Alvarez, with Newcastle United now entering the fray for his signing in the January transfer window.
The Magpies’ interest in the 21-year-old makes a great deal of sense, considering they have been shy of goals this term. With the Tynesiders hoping to avoid the drop to the Championship, they will need to start winning fixtures, and goals will be essential. But the recent injury to Callum Wilson has meant that their blunt attack has lost its most effective weapon.
Newcastle are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements in the No. 9 role, with Alvarez emerging as a target owing to his stellar campaign last year with River Plate. In order to clinch his signing from the Argentine bigwigs, Newcastle are ready to make a ‘mega offer’ in the ongoing transfer window according to the Gazzetta dello Sport report.
Alvarez’s contract with River Plate expires at the end of the year and includes a release clause worth just €20 million. The big offer being referred to in the report could very well be regarding a contract proposal for the player, as the Toon hope to beat other suitors in the race to sign the Argentine, who has five international caps to his name.
It now remains to be seen whether Newcastle are successful in their pursuit of Alvarez or look elsewhere to bolster their attack in the winter window.
