Manchester City sign River Plate and Argentina forward Julián Álvarez

Manchester City on Monday announced the signing of Argentina forward Julián Álvarez from River Plate on a five-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £14 million (US$19 million).

The 22-year-old, who has won five senior international caps with the Albiceleste, will remain with River on loan at least until July 2022.

Director of football Txiki Begiristain said Premier League leaders City had signed a player with significant potential.

"Julián is a player we have monitored for some time," he said. "He is capable of operating in a number of attacking roles, and we firmly believe he's one of the best young attacking players in South America.

"I am so happy we have managed to bring him to Manchester City. I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player."

Álvarez made his senior international debut in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in June last year and was part of the squad that won the Copa América in July.

City have been short of a specialist striker after the departure of their all-time leading goalscorer Sergio Agüero last year.

They subsequently missed out on the capture of Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.

– TIMES/AFP