Paul Scholes has urged Arsenal to do everything they can to sign Julian Alvarez after the World Cup, describing the Argentina forward as 'top-class' and a 'match-winner'. The Gunners are pushing to sign the 26-year-old from Atletico Madrid after initially showing interest earlier in the summer.
Alvarez keen to leave Atletico Madrid
Alvarez is believed to be keen to leave Atletico this summer after Diego Simeone's side finished fifth in La Liga last season and lost to Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Atletico Madrid spent over £80 million to sign Alvarez from Manchester City in 2024, and the Argentine has justified that price-tag with 49 goals across the last two seasons. He also had an impressive goalscoring record at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals across two seasons despite playing backup to Erling Haaland.
Arteta makes Alvarez top target
Mikel Arteta has made Alvarez his top attacking target this summer and believes he can bring spark to Arsenal's attack. While Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 and to a Champions League final, his side looked increasingly sluggish in the final third. The issue for Arsenal is that Atletico have reacted angrily to claims they could sell Alvarez, particularly to La Liga rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona, who have also made moves. Atletico would demand well over £100 million for the World Cup and two-time Premier League winner, but Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to pay more than £90 million.
Scholes: 'Go get him'
Manchester United legend Scholes is a huge fan of Alvarez and says the Premier League champions should do everything they can to bring him to the Emirates Stadium after the World Cup. 'If Atletico Madrid want £100 million, any big club needs to go and get him,' Scholes said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast. 'Just go and get him. There's not even a debate. I don't think there's loads of top-class centre-forwards knocking about. I don't see him as an out-and-out centre-forward, he's more of a drifter.'
Scholes added: 'Atletico Madrid won't want to sell him to Real Madrid or Barcelona. If he's £100 million – Elliot Anderson has just gone for £116 million – and Alvarez is a match-winner. What a signing that would be.' Scholes' former United and England teammate Nicky Butt added: 'He would be a perfect partner for an out-and-out centre-forward like Viktor Gyokeres.'
Gyokeres speculation
There are still huge question marks over Gyokeres despite his strong second half to the season, with several pundits calling for Arteta to replace the Sweden striker. It was even suggested last month that Arsenal could use Gyokeres in a deal to bring Alvarez to north London. Asked about those rumours during Sweden's brief World Cup campaign, Gyokeres said: 'Of course it's flattering to see that clubs are interested but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal. After the season we have had, I only have positive feelings.'
Arsenal's other targets
While Arsenal consider an official bid for Alvarez, they are also keeping tabs on several midfielders, including England's Morgan Rogers and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes. Despite the intense speculation over his future, Alvarez's current focus is on Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday night, with a final against France or Spain potentially to follow.
