Aston Villa have been paired with an interest in River Plate forward Julian Alvarez this week, so would he be a smart addition to Dean Smith’s squad?
After Emiliano Buendia joined compatriot Emiliano Martinez at the club earlier this month, the Argentine contingent at Villa could be set to grow further, should a swoop for Alvarez materialise.
READ MORE: Talking tactics: Why Buendia will be a perfect fit for Smith and Aston Villa
As per Argentine journalist Sebastian Srur, Villa are interested in the 21-year-old, and it’s suggested that a meeting could take place in England next week to discuss a potential transfer further.
It seems as though this particular possible swoop is in its early stages, but it’s worth assessing what Alvarez could bring to Villa Park should he make the switch to England this summer.
Analysis of Julian Alavarez: Stats, style of play
The youngster came through the ranks at River Plate and has gone on to make 69 appearances for the senior side to date, scoring 16 goals and providing 17 assists.
He also earned his first senior cap for Argentina earlier this month, and so he seemingly has a bright future ahead of him for club and country moving forward if he can continue his progression and development.
With four goals and seven assists in 20 games last season, Alvarez has certainly caught the eye with his form, and given his versatility to be able to play right across the front line on either wing or through the middle, he would perhaps offer Smith an important option in the final third.
His current contract runs until December 2022, and so time will tell if it’s a potential bargain deal to be done for Villa.
As seen in the video below, he knows how to find the back of the net whether he’s cutting in from either flank or playing centrally, while he’s very much composed in possession and likes to take his man on.
His finishing is certainly impressive as he can use either foot and is a threat in the air, and with his movement off the ball and runs with it at his feet, he could be a dangerous new addition to our frontline to complement Buendia, Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins to not only feed off their creativity, but to create for them too.
Further, given the versatility that he possesses, he could also offer depth and competition in various positions and roles up front, and so this one would certainly be an intriguing signing.
Villa have done great business so far this summer with the Buendia and Ashley Young deals, time will tell if Alvarez will join them at the club ahead of the new Premier League season.
