So the rumors were true. Julian Alvarez, who was touted to leave Manchester City, is finally doing so. The Argentinian striker is set to join Atletico Madrid following a deal worth £82m ($104 million) agreed by both parties. While Alvarez gears up for a new chapter, he leaves a void at Etihad for the Cityzens to fill. Luckily, Pep Guardiola knows whom to invest in as the Spaniard wants Man City to hijack Arsenal’s move for Pedro Neto.

The Portuguese star has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, who wishes to sign a winger this summer. However, as per the reports of James Ducker compiled by @cityreport, City has also joined the race to sign Neto. Apparently, Guardiola sees the 24-year-old as the perfect replacement for Alvarez. Though the World Cup winner’s preferred position is striker, Guardiola often used him on the flanks when pairing him with Haaland.

Nonetheless, with the addition of Neto, City will have greater attacking depth, bolstered by the existing firepower of Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish. With Neto’s preferred position being on the wings, and also his ability to play as a second striker, Guardiola will have plenty of options to choose from ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Arsenal, however, remains the biggest roadblock ahead of Man City. The Gunners wouldn’t be interested in losing out Neto’s signature to their arch-rivals, after having lost domestic battles and silverware in the past. While signing Neto remains the best chance for the Londoners to exert their dominance, they may not prevail City’s financial muscle.

The reigning Premier League champions are already in line to get over a hundred million for Alvarez, making a sheer £14m ($17m) profit from the fee they paid to River Plate for the Argentine in January 2022. Yet, the real roadblock for City and Arsenal isn’t each other, but Neto himself.

Pep Guardiola’s Julian Alvarez replacement and Arsenal target isn’t interested in a move!

While both Manchester City and Arsenal are in a tug-of-war over the signature of Pedro Neto, the Portuguese forward’s recent comments suggest he isn’t interested in breaking up with Wolves. When quizzed about his thoughts on leaving Molineaux, Neto responded, “I love this club, I’m really happy to be here and take this team to another level.”

It is to be noted that Neto has a contract with the Wolves until the summer of 2027. Hence, it’s obvious that the Old Gold will demand a significant fee for their best player in the squad. According to Transfermarkt, Neto is valued at €55m ($60m). While Arsenal looks adamant about going beyond this fee, City too will look to break the bank. There is, though, a problem with the player both teams wish to sign.

Interestingly, Neto has a poor injury record. In the previous season, he remained sidelined for most of the games, making just 20 league appearances. Perhaps all City and Arsenal will do is to present their offer. If Wolves and Neto accept, then fair enough; otherwise, both Premier League giants are advised to look someplace else.