Arsenal are plotting a move for Julian Alvarez in 2027, after missing out on the Atletico Madrid striker in the summer transfer window.
Alvarez ultimately ended up staying put at Atletico, despite interest from the Gunners and Barcelona, and Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta‘s missing out on a top-level forward could cost him in his pursuit of the Champions League.
Merson said: “I think they’ll win the Premier League, but I think they’ll fall short in the Champions League because of not having that extra person up front. Havertz and Gyokeres, I like those two, but they are not going to give you sleepless nights.”
The Argentinian could have been the solution for Arteta, given his attacking record throughout his career to date, including at Manchester City, and his Premier League experience would’ve been an added bonus.
|
Julian Alvarez’s attacking record |
Appearances |
Goals |
Assists |
|
River Plate |
122 |
54 |
31 |
|
Atletico Madrid |
108 |
49 |
17 |
|
Man City |
103 |
36 |
19 |
Not only is the former Manchester City striker a reliable source of goals and assists, but he has also received major plaudits for what he does off the ball from presenter Jack Collins.
As such, it is unsurprising the £207,000-a-week forward remains a target for Andrea Berta & co in 2027, according to a report from Caught Offside.
Arsenal plotting statement signing of Julian Alvarez
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are plotting a blockbuster move for Alvarez in 2027, with the Argentina international being shortlisted alongside AFC Bournemouth star Eli Junior Kroupi.
The striker favoured a move to Barcelona during the summer, which didn’t transpire, with Atletico unwilling to strengthen a La Liga rival, which may be why the Gunners’ potential move is still regarded as ambitious.
Described as “one of the best players in the world” by international colleague Franco Mastantuono, this would be a phenomenal signing.
Why Julian Alvarez would be an upgrade on Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres was Arsenal’s statement signing last summer, and the Sweden international had a decent season statistically, picking up 14 goals and one assist in 36 Premier League appearances.
However, Ally McCoist believes Alvarez would be an upgrade regardless, with the talkSPORT pundit saying: “His figures have been good, and I think he’s actually progressed and got better as the season’s gone forward.
“I do think Alvarez would be a step-up. I think he’s got a bit more quality. “I think Arteta might look again at Gyokeres and expect continued improvement, again, which I think would be a realistic proposition.”
As such, Alvarez could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal next year, but it is pointless to keep pursuing him if he has little interest in a move to the Emirates Stadium.