Club World Cup reveals that Arsenal are looking in the wrong place to end striker woes

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One player at the Club World Cup has shown that Arsenal’s hunt for a striker mustn’t be limited to two options.

Andrea Berta has held talks with Viktor Gyokeres, who is eager to leave Sporting CP this summer.

While the Swede is an appealing option, having scored 39 league goals in 2024/25, he’s not the only name on Arsenal’s radar.

Benjamin Sesko is wanted by Mikel Arteta, but talks are understood to have stalled, which must prompt Berta to widen his search area.

• READ MORE: The 12 attackers on Andrea Berta’s Arsenal wish list have just been revealed and it includes £147m winger

Julian Alvarez shines as Atletico Madrid exit the Club World Cup

Berta oversaw some remarkable striker transfers during his time at Atletico Madrid, with his final move being the capture of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City.

Following the sporting director’s move to Arsenal, it came as no surprise to see the Gunners linked to Alvarez.

Diego Simeone doesn’t want to see Alvarez leave Atletico, and for good reason, as in his first season at the Spanish club, the Argentine had a direct role in 37 goals.

Speculation linking the World Cup winner and Arsenal has died down as the Club World Cup commenced, but the tournament is the exact reason why the Gunners must try their luck.

Atletico crashed out of the tournament on goal difference, but Alvarez wanted to go out with a bang, as his performance in his side’s 1-0 win over Botafogo portrayed.

Without scoring, the 25-year-old ensured he was the protagonist of the match-up, showing off his rounded skillset.

Recording four key passes, an assist and completing all of his attempted dribbles, Botafogo struggled to contain Alvarez, who reminded the world that he mustn’t be discarded from discussions regarding the world’s best number nines.

Performances like the Argentine’s, who is Premier League proven, make one wonder why Arsenal are not pushing as hard for his signature as they are for the likes of Gyokeres and Sesko.

Alvarez has a considerable advantage over Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres

Alvarez is happy in Spain, which makes a transfer difficult to imagine, but the right package could lure the striker back to England.

Despite Pep Guardiola being a huge admirer of the 25-year-old, City had to let him go in order to have the starring role he deserved, rather than simply being number two to Erling Haaland. 

Though he was never the protagonist at the Etihad, Alvarez left Manchester with an impressive record, having scored 20 Premier League goals in 67 appearances.

Alvarez’s Premier League experience sets him apart from both Sesko and Gyokeres, but that’s not the only thing, as the player’s vast array of strengths is hard to find.

Not only can the Argentine score goals in the Premier League, but he can act as a playmaker, a keen dribbler and is surprisingly strong for his nimble frame.

Berta could deliver immediate success to the Gunners by testing the water with Alvarez, whose history in England makes him a tantalising option for Arsenal.