Manchester City will reportedly have to pay €1.5m if they wish to fast-track Julian Alvarez into their first-team squad this summer.
The Citizens confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old from River Plate in January for around £14.2m plus add-ons, with the forward returning to his native Argentina on loan.
Alvarez, who signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with City, is currently set to stay with River Plate on loan until December 31.
However, journalist German Balcarce claims City have the option to bring Alvarez to the Etihad Stadium this summer and they would need to pay River Plate an additional €1.5m to cut his loan deal short.
Pep Guardiola has already hinted that the Citizens will activate this clause, stating last month, that "he'll be with us" for pre-season ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Alvarez, who is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in South America, scored 24 goals and provided 15 assists in 46 appearances for River Plate across all competitions in 2021.
Oliver Thomas
