The Julian Alvarez to Arsenal links are intensifying once again.
The Premier League champions have had the Argentina international as their dream target for several weeks now, but a move looked impossible at one point because he wanted to join Barcelona.
That remains the case, but Atletico would rather sell him to Arsenal if he refuses to stay, so the Gunners’ chances of signing him have increased in recent days.
The big theory in England and Spain is that Viktor Gyokeres will be offered in a player-plus-cash swap deal to land Alvarez.
💰 How much cash plus Viktor Gyokeres should Arsenal demand for Julian Alvarez?
👀 Atletico Madrid want £52m + Gyokeres…
We think two other Arsenal stars should be used instead of the Swede.
Arsenal should offer Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in exchange for Julian Alvarez
Multiple reports in Spain are backing the possibility of a swap deal that would see Viktor Gyokeres join Atletico Madrid along with some cash, and Julian Alvarez moves to Arsenal.
Cadena Ser have claimed that if the player completely refuses to stay at Atleti, Diego Simeone’s side will consider this offer from Arsenal.
However, we think letting Gyokeres leave after just one season is not the best decision.
Yes, Alvarez is a better option than the Sweden international, but Gyokeres finished last season as Arsenal’s top scorer and helped them win the Premier League.
Furthermore, the former Sporting man’s relentless off-the-ball work rate for the team, movement to free up space and physicality to occupy defenders is not something Alvarez can replicate.
The best option for Arsenal would be to have both Gyokeres and Alvarez in the same team, which is why the Swede should not be a part of this deal.
Instead, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus, who have both been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, are better options to swap.
Jesus definitely has no future at Arsenal, while Martinelli’s role will be reduced if the Gunners end up signing a high-profile left-winger.
Using the two players to land Alvarez won’t just reduce the transfer fee, but it will also help Arsenal save a fortune in wages.
Furthermore, both Martinelli and Jesus have all the traits required to succeed in Simeone’s system and could become superstars in Madrid.
This deal is something Berta should definitely explore instead of just moving Gyokeres on this summer.
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