Aston Villa have turned their attention to River Plate attacker Julian Alvarez after failing to prise young English player Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal.
Villa were unsuccessful with two bids of £25m and £30m for England u21 international Smith-Rowe and were rumoured to be preparing a third bid for the 20-year-old when Arsenal announced a new long-term deal for him thus putting doubts over his long-term to rest. He has signed a new five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium until 2026.
Aston Villa have now switched focus to River Plate starlet Alvarez with reports that his agent, Fernando Hidalgo is set to meet with the representatives from the Premier League team over a deal for the 21-year-old attacker who scored four goals and made seven others in 20 appearances for his Argentine club last season.
TNT Sports revealed that Aston Villa want to step up their interest in the River Plate attacker by lodging an official bid for him in the coming days. Villa target Alvarez is a versatile attacking player who can feature conveniently anywhere across the frontline.
Villa fans can be delighted with the club's interest in Alvarez who could team up with compatriot Emiliano Buendia at Villa Park. Buendia is a £33m transfer from Norwich City this summer. Argentina and Aston Villa first choice Emiliano Martinez is another compatriot at the Premier League club.
Aston Villa target Alvarez was a member of the Argentine squad that won the Copa America tournament this summer. According to his manager Marcelo Gallardo at River Plate, Alvarez is a player that every manager would love to have in his team.
Villa fans are still unsure over the status of skipper Jack Grealish who's a top target for Premier League champions but the club has been making positive strides in the transfer market in the event that the player leaves Villa Park for the Etihad Stadium this summer.