By Gabriel Agbonlahor

14th Sep, 2023 | 10:29am

Agbonlahor can't believe Man City accepting '£100m' Julian Alvarez offer as giants swoop

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed there would be “no point” in Man City selling Julian Alvarez and insisted the treble-winners would hold out for more than £100million for his signature.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the reported Real Madrid target is no longer in Erling Haaland’s “shadow” and should have no reason to leave the treble-winners.

According to Spanish outlet Fichjaes (9 September), Real Madrid are eyeing Alvarez as a potential alternative to long-term target Kylian Mbappe.

The report claims a potential move for the World Cup winner could pave the way for Man City to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.

Alvarez, who is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2028, has played every minute in the Premier League this season – scoring two and assisting one.

He has managed 19 goals and six assists since joining the treble-winners for a reported £14.1million in January 2022.

The forward contributed four goals and an assist for Argentina in Qatar as they lifted the World Cup last year.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think City will sell him and I can’t see Real Madrid paying the asking price.

“He’s had a good time so far, but I think City will ask for £100m at least – and he’s not at that level yet.

“But it’s not like it’s not working for him at City. He’s playing every week at the moment, scoring goals and winning trophies.

“He’s got no reason to be in Haaland’s shadow any more. He’s playing with him, and it’s working.

“If Haaland does get injured, then City have a ready-made replacement.

“I see no point in them selling him to Real Madrid, one of their biggest rivals for the Champions League.”

In other news, Man City set to dodge new FFP rule despite facing 115 charges.