Nobody could match Julian Alvarez at one thing in the Premier League, it’s why Arsenal must sign him

Add as preferred source on Google

One name on Arsenal’s striker radar is former Manchester City star Julian Alvarez.

It’s become apparent that Arsenal wish to make contact with Alvarez over a move from Atletico Madrid this summer. 

The Argentine made the move from Man City to Atletico during the 2024 summer transfer window, signed in an £81m deal by sporting director Andrea Berta, now of Arsenal. 

Alvarez could be the perfect signing for Mikel Arteta to add to his squad for more reasons than one, as the Gunners continue their hunt for a new number nine. 

• READ MORE: 2025 Summer transfer window rules every Arsenal fan needs to know, including huge opening date changes

Julian Alvarez was one of the Premier League’s best-performing forwards

Amid talks linking the World Cup winner to Arsenal, Diego Simeone has commented on his desire to keep Alvarez. 

Simeone’s plea comes as no surprise given the instant impact Alvarez has made in Madrid, contributing to 36 goals in all competitions over the 2024/25 calendar. 

This has alerted Arsenal to his situation this summer, as the 25-year-old could present Arteta with the perfect profile to solve the Gunners’ lapse in sharpness in attack. 

When looking at Alvarez’s statistics over the 2023/24 Premier League season, his last at Man City, it’s clear to see why the Arsenal manager is tempted to acquire his services. 

No Premier League forward could match Alvarez’s stellar average of shot-creating actions per 90 that season, a metric that measures the two offensive actions directly leading to a shot, as per FBref. 

The statistic essentially measures how many shots a player contributes on a per 90 basis, whether it be shooting themselves or creating the chance for a shot to be taken. 

When comparing Alvarez’s table-topping average to some of Arteta’s forwards, it’s clear to see what separates a good attacker from an elite forward in the metric.

While Bukayo Saka is one of the best in his position, others fall behind, with Alvarez almost doubling the per 90 average of those Arsenal call upon to lead the line.

Arsenal need a goal-hungry striker

If there’s one complaint in the final third that fans will have with the Arsenal squad at present, it’s the lack of goal threat.

For all of the mesmeric play that the Gunners generate, actual efforts on goal haven’t been up to scratch, which is something Alvarez could solve. 

The Argentine is eager to contribute on the front line, whether it be through creating goal-scoring chances or taking shots on goal himself. 

A player with such desire and a profile familiar with playing as a number nine is what Arsenal are crying out for, and evidence will tell you that Alvarez is a worthy candidate.