Arsenal given hope as they continue their quest to sign Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez is wanted by Arsenal (Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
Arsenal have received two boosts in their bid to sign Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international striker has made it clear that he intends to leave Atlético Madrid, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid keen to sign him.
Barça are thought to be his preferred destination, but Atletico’s reluctance to make a deal with their La Liga rivals could give the Gunners the chance to sign him as part of a cash-plus-player deal with Victor Goqueres.
Spanish publication AS reported that Atletico would be open to negotiations if Arsenal made a “substantial” offer. Unless other players are involved, the Gunners would need to break the UK transfer record, which currently stands at the £125m Liverpool paid to sign Alexander Isak last summer.
Signing Gokeres is likely to cause dissatisfaction with Atlético fans. According to the website’s poll, 91% of supporters said they would support signing Alvarez to Joqueres for more than £85m. Atlético were interested in Gokeres last summer but fell short of the £63.5m the Gunners offered Sporting CP, including add-ons.
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The Swede helped Arsenal win the title with 14 league goals, but it has been a respectable but unprolific return. The former Coventry ace had his detractors pointing out his lack of influence outside the penalty area, with some questioning whether he should be the Gunners’ first-choice No.9 long-term.
Last season, Paul Merson claimed he was “not trusted” by his team-mates. Appearing on Stick to Football, the Gunners legend suggested players were reluctant to give the ball to Joe Keles.
He said: “I look at Gokeres and the players at Arsenal don’t trust him either. They never pass to him. You look at him and the next time he comes up short they say ‘no’.”
Victor Gyoqueres could be used as a make-weight in Alvarez’s deal (Image: Getty Images)
Merson added: “You’d be surprised if you watch the game, but when (Gabriel) Jesus comes on, they just keep giving him. That’s what you see when you watch the game.”
Meanwhile, another former gunner, Ray Parler, welcomed Alvarez’s arrival, but was alongside Goqueres rather than replacing him. Parlor told 10Bet: “I think that’s to be expected. There aren’t many great strikers.
Alvarez reveals his intention to leave Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)
“There will be a lot of clubs after Alvarez, but he will fit in quite well. He is hardworking, a good finisher and fast.
“He’s a little bit different to Gokeres. He can sometimes play two up front. Maybe he can drop a little deeper sometimes and take Gokeres out. That could work. I think that’s the position they should really look at, centre-forward.”
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