Man City News: Guardiola Denies Alvarez To Atletico Madrid Transfer Rumours

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described Julian Alvarez as “absolutely our player” as he dodged questions about the Argentine striker’s future.

Alvarez has been strongly linked with a move to Atletico Madrid and Guardiola was asked about the 24-year-old after City’s 4-2 win over Chelsea at the Ohio Stadium.

“No news. I have nothing to say. He will come back,” Guardiola said.

Sources have told BBC Sport that there have been talks between City and Atletico over Alvarez, but no offer has yet been made.

Alvarez, whose contract with City runs until 2028, played for Argentina at the Paris Olympics. Before the Argentinians were knocked out by France, he said he would make a decision about his future after the Games.

Guardiola added: “I count on him, but he said in the news that decisions are taken all together. Now he has to rest and when he feels ready to come back, he will come back.

“I’m sure I’ll hug him and congratulate him on the Copa America, the Olympic Games and that we’ll start working together when he comes back. This is the reality.

“What happens in the meantime, I have a thousand million things to think about the team.

“Next week we play for the first trophy of the season (the Community Shield against Manchester United at Wembley). Two weeks later we play at Stamford Bridge again, that’s my only concern.”

City complete US tour without serious injuries, Guardiola says Rico Lewis was substituted against Chelsea due to cramp, while goalkeeper Ederson was left out due to “aches”

They are both expected to be available for next week’s Community Shield match against United, before the Premier League season kicks off with a clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.