What happened: Manchester City forward Julián Álvarez said he tries not to give too much importance to media reports on his future. He described such talk as often becoming a 'snowball of lies.' Álvarez noted he cannot keep clarifying or denying every rumor.

Why it matters: Álvarez's comments address ongoing links to Barcelona amid questions over his future at Manchester City. They come as City lets Pep Guardiola decide his path, with Enzo Maresca the favored successor. The statement may stabilize focus during City's title push atop the goals-scored table.

What to watch: Monitor summer transfer window for Álvarez updates or official City statements.