Victor Goqueres and Kai Havertz should take the back seat instead of Julian Alvarez (Image: Getty Images)
Victor Gokeres’ turnaround in an Arsenal shirt over the past two weeks has been nothing short of astonishing. Mikel Arteta’s choice to sign the striker has only recently been vindicated, with debate over whether the Gunners wisely invested £55m in Gokeres last summer lingering for much of the season. The Swede hit his stride at the most important period of the season, scoring twice against Fulham and scoring a penalty against Atletico Madrid, and was his best in an Arsenal shirt in the second leg.
If Arsenal eventually lift the Premier League or Champions League trophies, Gokeres’ contribution will rightly be praised. But despite his constant struggle with defenders and running through channels, the other striker on the pitch effortlessly stole the show in the Champions League semi-final clash. Julian Alvarez was the mainstay of almost every promising player that Diego Simeone’s side called up for the opening game.
The Argentine caused problems for Arsenal’s typical managers, Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, throughout the competition, as he has done against rival teams all season.
He hit the wooden frame in their first encounter this season, troubled David Raya on numerous occasions at the Metropolitano Stadium and converted a penalty into an equaliser, after Gökeres’ own powerful spot-kick. He led the team with six shots and converted three chances, and was second only to Samuel Reno in terms of successful dribbles.
Alvarez proved to be a threat with his intelligent movement between the lines and remained dangerous with his clinical finishing ability. It was a perfect performance that many have come to expect from Arsenal’s classic forward.
Fortunately for the Gunners, the 26-year-old’s ankle problem limited him for a significant amount of the second leg and ultimately forced him to withdraw in the closing stages, effectively slowing down Atletico’s attack.
He showed exactly why he is a World Cup and treble winner and why Andrea Berta should prioritize securing a permanent move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The Italian was well aware of Alvarez’s abilities even before this season’s match against Atlético, and was planning a move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2024 while serving as the club’s sporting director.
With a vastly smaller market for strikers, Alvarez is a truly world-class replacement, adept at combining play and scoring from long range, only Eberechi Eze to achieve this on a regular basis.
Julian Alvarez will be a big hit for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
He has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, just one goal behind Gokeres, but has contributed even more through his full performances. Arteta faced criticism at times for effectively using 10 players, as the Swede’s long-term contribution was limited.
Kai Havertz’s return from injury looked like a solution at one stage. However, familiar concerns remain for the German player. He lacks a relentless edge in front of goal and has failed to maintain consistent fitness over the past 18 months.
The issue of the Gunners needing to pay a hefty transfer fee for Alvarez remains, with certain reports suggesting Atletico could ask for £100m for their star player. They will also face competition from Barcelona over his achievements, although the La Liga champions are thought to be considering him as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
However, here Berta must prove her qualifications. Arsenal could end the year as champions of both England and Europe. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of that advantage and tap into the best talent on the continent while securing a strong starting XI for next season.
Some reports suggest Alvarez wants to be traded in Spain, but he left Manchester City two years ago after Erling Haaland prevented him from featuring regularly. Arsenal are without Haaland, but the Argentine forward has scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City.
As for Goqueres, the signing of Alvarez gives Arteta the flexibility to use two completely different types of strikers depending on the opponent. Arsenal have played over 60 games this season, so there will be plenty of time for both games.
Barring injury, Havertz could act as a valuable third option, operating alongside either the forwards or midfield.
However, there is no doubt that Alvarez will emerge as first choice, signaling a return to the days when Arsenal had truly world-class players such as Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to spearhead their attacks.
