At a Glance:
- Arsenal are already drawing up transfer plans ahead of the summer.
- The Gunners are set to compete with Chelsea for the signing of a big-name attacker.
- Ally McCoist believes the player in question should opt for the Blues over Arsenal
Arsenal are already drawing up transfer plans ahead of the summer, with Andrea Berta setting his sights on a number of top players, although Ally McCoist believes one of Mikel Arteta’s most prominent targets should snub the Gunners.
The North London outfit may be embroiled in an intense Premier League title race, but Berta isn’t prepared to rest on his laurels. The Italian is eager to ensure Arteta’s side’s success at the top is sustained, and is subsequently mapping out the next iteration of the Spaniard’s team.
A world-class left winger is on Arsenal’s agenda, while they may also be in the market for another striker, with Gabriel Jesus expected to leave and Kai Havertz’s persistent injury issues a genuine concern.
Ally McCoist says Julian Alvarez should snub Arsenal for Chelsea
Julian Alvarez has been earmarked by Arsenal as a potential marquee addition ahead of this summer. The Argentine has enjoyed an outstanding season for Atletico Madrid, netting 17 goals and providing ten assists across all competitions, and has been coy about his future in the Spanish capital.
Asked last month whether he plans on remaining at the Wanda Metropolitano, the striker said: “I don’t know, I might be, or I might not. I’m happy. I’m thinking about the day-to-day.”
This uncertain response has fuelled speculation linking him with a departure, and the likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are understood to be ready to pounce at the opportunity to sign him. That said, a prospective deal is complicated by Atletico’s purported demands.
A £130 million price tag has been quoted for Alvarez (via TNT Sports), and this fee may ultimately deter the Gunners from making a move.
However, if Arteta and Berta do ultimately decide to pursue the World Cup winner, commentator McCoist thinks the 26-year-old should turn down the chance to ply his trade at the Emirates. In fact, the Scotsman believes Alvarez should opt for a move to Chelsea, because of more guarantees over game time.
“I think he’s got a better chance of playing more regularly at Chelsea, to tell you the truth, than he would at Arsenal,” McCoist told talkSPORT Bet Casino.
“The squad at Arsenal is phenomenal. They’re playing Kai Havertz, sometimes as a false nine, Gabriel Jesus is through the middle, and Leandro Trossard has played there.
“Alvarez is a real talent. As I say, it would surprise me to see him coming back. But in terms of where he went, I think he’d probably get more game time.
“If he came to Arsenal, they still haven’t got over the line at this moment in time. I think they will, and I think they will in a couple of years, but it’s a big six weeks coming up for Arsenal, there’s no doubt.
“You look at the size of Arsenal’s squad, it’s absolutely massive. So, he’s probably got a better chance of getting more regular playing time with Chelsea.”
Julian Alvarez has no reason to sign for Chelsea over Arsenal
If Alvarez signs for Arsenal, he shouldn’t have any concerns regarding game time. If the Gunners are choosing to spend in excess of £100 million on a player, then they likely plan to play him regularly.
The idea that he’d struggle for minutes at Arsenal is absurd. He’d instantly become Arteta’s most productive and talented forward, and would be the fulcrum of the North Londoners attack.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 122 | 54 | 31 |
| Manchester City | 103 | 36 | 19 |
| Atletico Madrid | 101 | 46 | 17 |
| Argentina | 51 | 14 | 3 |
In reality, there is no reason for Alvarez to favour a move to Stamford Bridge over the Emirates. Not only are Chelsea in a precarious financial position which may mean they cannot match Arsenal’s potential salary proposal, but they’re also significantly less likely than the Gunners to compete for major honours over the next few years.
It would be nonsensical for him to sign for Chelsea if Arsenal have made him an offer. The more likely stumbling block for the Gunners is the price, rather than competition from their West London counterparts.
