Julian Alvarez’s reputation continues to grow with every passing month.
The Atletico Madrid star has been linked with Arsenal repeatedly over the last year and remains one of the dream targets many supporters would love to see arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
What makes those links even more exciting is that some of football’s biggest names clearly rate him just as highly.
Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard have now both made the same prediction about Alvarez ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Imagine you are Pep Guardiola. How would you react if Mikel Arteta signed Julian Alvarez for Arsenal?
Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard both back Julian Alvarez to shine at the World Cup
There will be no shortage of elite forwards competing for the Golden Boot in 2026.
Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and a host of other superstars will all fancy their chances of finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Yet when Keane and Gerrard were asked to make their predictions, both immediately thought of Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine has enjoyed another outstanding season and heads into the World Cup as one of the most complete forwards in international football.
He has already proven he can perform on the biggest stage too.
Alvarez scored four goals as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar and has only improved as a player since then.
That is why Gerrard had no hesitation when naming his pick for the Golden Boot.
He simply said on TNT Sports: “Alvarez from Argentina.”
Keane also included the Atletico Madrid star among his favourites.
He said on TNT Sports: “Harry Kane and Alvarez also. I’m not sure he’s the penalty taker. Kane or Alvarez.”
You have £120m to spend on one player in the summer: Are you signing Sandro Tonali or Julian Alvarez?
Julian Alvarez’s price tag could increase even more if he wins the World Cup Golden Boot
One of the biggest obstacles to any potential Arsenal move is Alvarez’s valuation.
Atletico Madrid already regard him as one of the cornerstones of their project and would demand an enormous fee before even considering a sale.
That asking price could climb even higher over the next few weeks.
If Alvarez goes on to win the Golden Boot at the World Cup, his stock will rise to an entirely new level.
Leading Argentina to another deep run while finishing as the tournament’s top scorer would strengthen his claim to being one of the very best forwards in world football.
Arsenal already know signing Alvarez would require a huge investment. If Keane and Gerrard’s prediction comes true, Andrea Berta may find that dream deal becomes even more expensive than it already is.
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