Julian Alvarez is said to be one of Arsenal’s biggest transfer targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are expected to be active once again, with Andrea Berta looking for reinforcements in attack, midfield and defence.
Gabriel Jesus is expected to leave the Premier League leaders this summer, so signing a versatile striker like him will be high on the agenda.
Alvarez has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, but for this move to happen, one of two current players will have to depart.
Agree or disagree: Julian Alvarez should be Arsenal’s primary target this summer – look what he did to Spurs!
Arsenal can only sign Julian Alvarez if Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres is sold
Julian Alvarez is one of the best attackers in the world.
The Argentine can play anywhere in attack, and he has been exceptional since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City.
Alvarez has directly contributed to 64 goals in 102 games for Atleti, with his most recent strike being a stunning free-kick against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final.
BBC Sport have now confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez, but a deal to sign him depends on one key factor – no, it’s not money.
The report claims that either Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres will need to leave the club for the Gunners to step up their interest in the World Cup winner.
Arsenal only signed the Swede last summer, and he has a contract until 2030. Havertz, on the other hand, will enter the final two years of his contract in July.
The German is one of the highest-paid players at the club, so it remains to be seen if Arsenal will consider selling him this summer.
However, Mikel Arteta has made no secret of the fact that he loves Havertz, which is why we would be surprised if he is allowed to leave.
Arsenal can only sign Julian Alvarez if one of Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz leaves. Who would you sell?
Arsenal should sign Julian Alvarez irrespective of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres
Alvarez is not an out-and-out centre-forward like Gyokeres is, nor does he have the physical presence that the Swede or Havertz do.
The former Manchester City star is more in the mould of Jesus, who is likely to be the player Arsenal need to replace this summer.
For that reason, a move to sign Alvarez should not be dependent on the futures of either Havertz or Gyokeres. Even if those two stay, the Argentine would be a great addition.
As for player sales, Arsenal are ready to sell Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, while Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Ben White could be moved on as well.
Those sales should be enough to raise funds to sign Alvarez this summer.
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