Although the domestic season has only just concluded, there’s no time to rest for Arsenal’s hierarchy, who are already busy preparing for the summer transfer window.
Newly appointed Sporting Director Andrea Berta will be eager to make a strong first impression by securing the right signings to help Arsenal take that final step in both the Premier League and potentially the Champions League next season.
However, he’ll need to act swiftly. Liverpool have wasted no time, making major moves in the transfer market—most notably, appearing close to landing Florian Wirtz, a major statement of intent.
Fortunately for Arsenal, recent reports suggest the club is also pursuing a top-tier international who could rival Wirtz in terms of impact.
Arsenal eyeing ex-Premier League striker
With this summer shaping up to be the most pivotal since Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019, Arsenal have been linked with several high-profile names, including Nico Williams and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Williams, a long-term target, has a reported £50m release clause and delivered 11 goals and seven assists for Athletic Bilbao this season. Gittens, meanwhile, has shone for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 12 and assisting five across 48 appearances, and may be available for around £46m.
Yet, if Arsenal are to truly match Liverpool’s move for Wirtz, they’ll need someone capable of making game-changing contributions—a player like Julian Alvarez.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Arsenal are one of several clubs tracking the Atlético Madrid forward. Despite competition from Liverpool and Barcelona, the report suggests Arsenal are currently leading the race and are the “strongest bidder” for the Argentine’s signature.
Although no specific fee is mentioned, Alvarez reportedly has a £126m release clause. While expensive, his quality may justify the investment.
Alvarez: Arsenal’s potential Wirtz equivalent
While Alvarez and Wirtz operate in different primary positions—Alvarez as a forward and Wirtz in midfield—both are versatile and creative. Alvarez, formerly of Manchester City, has been deployed across the front line and even in midfield.
Similarly, Wirtz, soon expected to join Liverpool, has featured in various attacking roles. Despite being more of a natural goalscorer, Alvarez has also shown strong creative numbers.
According to FBref stats, the 25-year-old Argentine ranks among the top forwards in Europe for shot-creating actions, completed passes, and passes into the box. As noted by analyst Ben Mattinson, he has the rare ability to “change games out of nowhere.”
Perhaps most importantly, Alvarez has already proven he can carry the responsibility of being a club’s star player. In his debut season with Atlético, he’s racked up 29 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances—averaging a goal involvement every 1.5 games.
In short, if Liverpool land Wirtz, Arsenal must respond with a marquee signing of their own—and Julian Alvarez may be the ideal choice to rise to that challenge.
Leave a Comment