Liverpool have reportedly added Atletico Madrid’s superstar forward Julian Alvarez to their transfer wishlist for the upcoming summer window.
The Reds are looking to add attacking reinforcements due to the uncertain futures of several players.
Mohamed Salah’s contract expires in June and there appears to be no progress in the renewal talks. Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz have been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer.
According to Fichajes.net, Liverpool want to revolutionise their attack next season by bringing in Alvarez just a year after he signed for Los Rojiblancos.
Atletico Madrid splurged a fee close to £82 million for the services of Alvarez from Manchester City after the Argentine striker was left unhappy with the lack of regular playing time with the English champions.
The 2022 World Cup winner has lived up to the hefty price tag, embarking on a blistering scoring run this season. He has racked up 18 goals across La Liga and the Champions League, establishing himself as one of the most lethal finishers in Europe.
While the former River Plate striker is starting to feel at home at Atletico, the Reds are plotting an ambitious swoop to lure him back to the Premier League.
Alvarez signed a six-year contract with Atletico last summer, and he is said to have a €150 million release, which the Merseysiders are willing to pay.
Is Alvarez the right option to lead Liverpool’s attack?
Liverpool’s attack needs a complete facelift, especially when Salah continues to be coy over his future.
The Egyptian international has been in sublime form this season, racking up 32 goals and 22 assists in all competitions.
But just when he was starting to stake his claim for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, his odds completely dwindled in the space of less than a week after the Reds were eliminated from the Champions League by PSG in the round of 16 and lost the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United. Perhaps, Salah failed to make a big impact in both the games.
Moreover, Salah’s incredible form has papered over the cracks of an otherwise underwhelming attacking unit. Strikers Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have been largely inconsistent.
Arne Slot would be looking to address this issue in the upcoming transfer window and sees Alvarez as the ideal candidate to bring an end to their striker crisis.
Despite being mostly utilised as a secondary striker at Manchester City, Alvarez has flourished in the No. 9 role at Atletico.
The Argentine is a player who thrives during transitional attacks and when exploiting the space behind the defence with his blistering pace and intelligent movement.
His striking ability is also second to none, and he has also become a predatory finisher inside the box.
Alvarez’s style aligns with Slot’s philosophy, but the catch is his exorbitant price tag. Moreover, it remains to be seen whether the Argentine is ready to leave Spain when he is currently at the height of his powers.
