Arsenal fans have now been told why Mikel Arteta won’t be able to strike a deal for one unsettled Premier League attacker this summer.
Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking contingent in this summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta has already considered multiple targets who could add firepower to his squad. First, Arsenal tried to sign Benjamin Sesko, but the RB Leipzig target man opted to remain with the Bundesliga outfit.
Since then, Arsenal have been linked with Nico Williams. The Spanish winger’s versatility and reliable end product would make him a statement signing for the Gunners. However, Barcelona are considered the favourites to secure the Athletic Bilbao man’s signature.
Arsenal are now pursuing Viktor Gyokeres, who is available in an £85 million deal. The Swedish striker was in scintillating form for Sporting last season, but there have to be questions marks over his ability to raise his game to the standard demanded by the Premier League.
Meanwhile, since Julian Alvarez recently suggested that he is not entirely happy at Manchester City, rumours that he could be on the move this summer have arisen.
As quoted by BBC Sport, the Argentine attacker, who is currently competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, said: “There is a lot of talk… We will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.
“Maybe it’s annoying to be out in big games, players always want to help on the pitch. But my season was good, so I’m very happy.”
Arsenal told they can’t sign Man City star Julian Alvarez
Alvarez’s statement has led to speculation that he could be willing to push for a move away from the Etihad Stadium. However, the reigning Premier League champions would surely be reluctant to let the 24-year-old go.
Pep Guardiola certainly won’t allow Alvarez to join Arsenal, in any case. At least, that is the view held by journalist Charles Watts, speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel.
The reporter said: “I wouldn’t turn my nose up at Julian Alvarez, but I’m pretty sure with Manchester City it’ll be a very swift response should Arsenal go in for a move for Alvarez, and it won’t be a positive one.
“I would hazard a guess that they would not be happy to sanction this move to their biggest rivals in the Premier League. As much as he might be kind of publicly hinting a little bit about a possible move away… I highly, highly doubt that Arsenal would be an option Man City would even consider.”
What Julian Alvarez would bring to Arsenal
Accepting that the 2022 World Cup winner won’t be making the switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer, it is still worth considering what a player that matches his profile might add to Arteta’s squad.
Alvarez’s versatility would certainly appeal to the Arsenal boss. He is able to play on either flank, can lead the line, and is comfortable taking up an attacking midfield role. His technical ability, appreciation of space, and talent for reading the game allows him to switch between positions effortlessly.
Alvarez is also a killer in front of goal, and netted 19 times for the Cityzens last season, across all competitions. Arsenal lack a clinical finisher, and finding such a goalscorer must be at the top of their agenda.
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