Deadline day of the January transfer window ended without any new signings at Arsenal, but it was what happened elsewhere that was really exciting.
The headliner on Arsenal’s deadline day was the surprising links to Sandro Tonali.
According to David Ornstein’s understanding, Tonali’s agent offered him to Arsenal, but it was always thought that nothing would happen before the transfer deadline.
Nothing did happen, and that came as no surprise; however, while deadline day was quiet in North London, it was loud elsewhere.
What position do Arsenal need to strengthen in the summer transfer window?
Atletico Madrid signed a possible Julian Alvarez replacement
£404m was spent by Premier League clubs in the January transfer window, and it’s not the only region where cash was splashed frivolously.
In Spain, Atletico Madrid had a dramatic deadline day, welcoming three new players to Diego Simeone’s team, including former Arsenal target Ademola Lookman.
You might be wondering: what does this have to do with the Gunners?
Well, Lookman is recognised as a versatile forward, a player capable of playing as a striker, which is of interest to Arsenal due to their love for Julian Alvarez.
It’s fitting that Atletico signed a forward of Lookman’s nature in the winter at a time when Alvarez’s links to Arsenal are growing.
It just might be that Simeone signed the Argentine’s eventual successor, which is very encouraging news for Andrea Berta back in North London.
If anyone can win over Julian Alvarez, it’s Andrea Berta
Simeone does not want to lose Alvarez, and it’s clear to see why, as the striker has scored 40 goals in 88 appearances since making the move from Manchester City in 2024.
It might seem like a tough transfer to pull off, but Arsenal will remain confident thanks to Berta’s position at the club.
If you’re Andrea Berta and Julian Alvarez is offered to you for £87m, would you sign him?
Too much money or a big bargain?
Berta signed Alvarez at Atletico before leaving Madrid to join Arsenal, and now, he could repeat history by encouraging the forward to follow in his footsteps.
The sporting director sealed an £81m transfer for Alvarez as a parting gift to Atletico, and given that the Italian has dealt with the Argentine’s agents before, he surely has an advantage.
All eyes will be on how Arsenal approach Alvarez in the summer, particularly with the World Cup fast approaching.
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