Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United ready to make River Plate ace Julian Alvarez first January signing but must sell Anthony Martial first
According to transfer news on Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Wales Online), Manchester United are ready to make River Plate ace Julian Alvarez their first signing in January but need to finalize a departure for Anthony Martial first.
The Red Devils experienced a tricky run of results in the past week, as they drew, won, and lost against Newcastle United, Burnley, and Wolves respectively. However, one thing that was clear from these results was the need for reinforcements. And it looks like Ralf Rangnick is ready to make some mid-season additions immediately.
Man United are apparently set to make Julian Alvarez their first signing of the January transfer window. The Old Trafford outfit has told River Plate that they are open to paying the 21-year-old’s £16.7million asking price. Additionally, they also confirmed their intentions to the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo, on Monday night.
In fact, Rangnick has also told his representative that he ‘likes Alvarez a lot.’ However, a deal can only be finalized once the 13-time Premier League champions orchestrate the exit of Anthony Martial. The striker has asked to leave the club amidst interest from Sevilla, Barcelona, and Juventus.
Timely good news
The lack of cohesion in the frontline was on display against Wolves on Monday. Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani found it hard to play alongside each other, while Jadon Sancho was no help either. Mason Greenwood had a great game but Rangnick brought him off after an hour into the match. Unfortunately, Marcus Rashford is also missing his shooting boots.
Thus, there is a lot to ponder over for our German gaffer. But it is pleasing to hear that he likes Alvarez. The Argentinian starlet has already starred for his national team and fired Los Millonarios to the league title last season by scoring 18 goals in 21 games.
Martial can be granted his move, provided a prospective buyer agrees to the conditions laid down by Man United. It is also worth noting that Edinson Cavani could leave once his contract expires in the summer. Additionally, Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 37 next month, and a young striker is essential, as long as he does not hamper the progress of Greenwood or Anthony Elanga.
More Manchester United News
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- Journo claims Bayern Munich ace Robert Lewandowski is keen on Premier League move amidst Manchester United links
- Journalist claims Paul Pogba could stay at Manchester United in January transfer window
But a mid-season move works out well for the River Plate star. He could take time to settle into a new country and a league, but he can act as an understudy to a South American superstar and arguably the greatest marksman in the history of the game. Martial needs to leave first, but once he does, the Theatre of Dreams can welcome another potential world-beater to our ranks.
