At a Glance:
- Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer.
- The Gunners want to make a marquee addition, and feel as though the Argentine could be the right man.
- Their ability to land Alvarez is predicted on one condition.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has taken another twist, as sporting director Andrea Berta ramps up his transfer plans ahead of the summer window.
The Gunners might be on the brink of winning their first Premier League title for over 20 years, but they aren’t prepared to rest on their laurels. Berta wants to significantly strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad once again, and is subsequently eyeing a marquee summer addition.
Khvicha Kvarataskhelia has been identified as a possible option, while it’s well documented that Alvarez is on Arsenal’s radar. It’s now been revealed that the North Londoners will be able to push for a deal for the Argentine if another transfer materialises.
Arsenal can step-up Julian Alvarez interest if they make a sale
Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave Arsenal this summer, with the Brazilian’s contract set to expire in 2027. While Jesus’ imminent departure might make it seem as though room will be created for an incoming striker, in reality the Gunners would still have a surplus of players in this position.
Alvarez, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres likely can’t co-exist in the same squad, and thus, it would make sense that a sale would have to be made to create space for the World Cup winner. Given that Atletico are understood to be demanding in excess of £100 million for their talisman, he wouldn’t arrive in N5 expecting to play a squad role.
If the Gunners do indeed splash a nine-figure fee on the former Manchester City man, he’ll be a marquee signing who will instantly become one of the key players in Arteta’s team. Both Havertz and Gyokeres’ minutes would drop significantly.
It’s therefore not a surprise that Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport is reporting that one of the aforementioned two would have to make way for Alvarez to come in. The journalist’s report suggests that should an exit for Havertz or Gyokeres ensue, then Arsenal will be able to step up their interest in the 26-year-old.
Should Arsenal sell Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres to make way for Julian Alvarez?
On paper, the left wing looks like a more pressing area of concern for Arsenal. While both Havertz and Gyokeres are functional, both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli aren’t at the level required to really enhance the quality in the Gunners’ attack.
Berta should therefore prioritise this flank and allocate resources to strengthening this position rather than signing another centre-forward. However, if Alvarez is genuinely available, few would begrudge the Italian for attempting to sign the player.
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| River Plate | 122 | 54 | 31 |
| Manchester City | 103 | 36 | 19 |
| Atletico Madrid | 102 | 47 | 17 |
| Argentina | 51 | 14 | 3 |
If it does come down to deciding who to sell between Gyokeres and Havertz, then it’s a difficult decision. The German is the more technically secure player and has a higher ceiling, but persistent injury issues are a concern, and his lucrative wages are excessive for a squad player.
Gyokeres only arrived last summer and has proven that he’s a reliable goalscorer against lesser opponents. This potentially makes him the perfect compliment to Alvarez in Arsenal’s squad, as he can provide the Argentina international with some respite by taking over from him in less important matches.
Ultimately, however, it should come down to the Arsenal medical team’s assessment of Havertz, and what they think of the former Chelsea man’s long-term durability.
