Julián Álvarez’s six goals quickly went around the world. The historic night of the young wonder of the River has not only been the cover of newspapers in Argentina, but has also gained a place in portals around the world. In Núñez they began to miss the 22-year-old striker, who for more than a month will travel to England to join Manchester City. But, at the same time, they dream of having an early Christmas gift.

Pep Guardiola is Santa Claus at the moment for River. And they have already sent him a little letter. The management asked the City that in case the Spanish coach decides to loan him, Núñez’s club will be the priority, more than any European institution. And the main argument was given by Marcelo Gallardo at the press conference after his team’s loss (8-1) against Alianza Lima at the Monumental for the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday night.

“Julian is a diamond in the rough. If he stays until December, we will continue to prepare a footballer who will be more mature than him. We will continue to make it perfect,” said Doll, who jokingly sent a subliminal message to Guardiola asking him to extend Álvarez’s stay on the River.

“The only way I can see that Julián can stay until the end of the year is Gallardo’s conversation with GuardiolaI don’t see another chance and I hope it happen “, he commented in the dialogue with Clarion a high chief of the River.

Guardiola is a fan of Gallardo’s work and River football. He acknowledged it publicly. And at the time Álvarez’s purchase was made, between the end of January and the beginning of February of this year, he commented: “He’s a player we can be with now, but we already have a lot of players there. The best thing for him was that he would stay on the River Plate, where he was very good“.

In addition, he added: “In the preseason he will be with us and then we will decide what to do, because each season the template changes. Personally, I’m excited to have a young talent like him in the years to come. “

According to City Group (the company that manages Manchester City), Guardiola still thinks so. He was impressed with Alvarez. That’s why he asked to have it in the preseason. And Julián will travel on July 7, a day after the end of the Copa Libertadores round of 16.

Flight to ManchesterThe

What happened after Julian reached British soil is another story. A new page to write. “Álvarez smells of purpose. But I want to see him on the lawn, with his teammates, what we want him to do”, Guardiola said a few months ago, to whom -logically- the photos of each meaning six goals by the River forward, who traveled to Bilbao to join the Argentine National Team for “Finalissima” against Italy.

Once Álvarez joined Manchester City’s pre-season in July, it was necessary to see the examination that Pep had made of him. Meanwhile, four European clubs (names not disclosed) have already requested a loan from Julián. This was confirmed by City CEO Ferran Soriano, who stopped them. “Álvarez will do the preseason with Manchester City”, the Catalan director insists. He added: “I think he will stay.” It is not compelling. Of course, the one with the last word is Guardiola.