Ally McCoist believes there is an ideal replacement for Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres despite insisting he helped Mikel Arteta win the Premier League. Gyokeres scored 14 goals in 36 league appearances this season as the Gunners ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
The Sweden international, signed from Sporting for £64m last summer, made a subdued start to his Arsenal career but 'got better' as the season went on, according to McCoist. Despite some crucial contributions from Gyokeres, Arsenal are still believed to be interested in signing a new striker this summer.
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, and McCoist insists he would be a 'step up' on Gyokeres. Alvarez has scored 49 goals across his two seasons at Atletico, having won back-to-back Premier League titles at his previous club Manchester City. The 26-year-old Argentina international is believed to be keen to leave Atletico this summer, but Arsenal face competition from Barcelona.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jeff Stelling said: 'Viktor Gyokeres has had a good season, in terms of figures, but would Julian Alvarez be an upgrade?' McCoist responded: 'Yes, yes he would. I've seen Alvarez a few times this season – I think he would be an upgrade.'
'Take nothing away because Gyokeres has had a good season. His figures have been good, and I think he's actually progressed and got better as the season's gone forward. But I do think Alvarez would be a step up. I think he's got a bit more quality.'
'I think Arteta might look again at Gyokeres and expect continued improvement, again, which I think would be a realistic proposition.'
Arsenal will fully turn their focus to the summer transfer window after this weekend's Champions League final against PSG. The Gunners are underdogs going into the final in Budapest, but Paul Merson has backed his former club to secure a stunning double.
'After winning the Premier League, Arsenal now have an amazing opportunity against Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday's final,' he told Historic Newspapers. 'The first goal is going to be key. It's a Champions League final, so it will be a cagey game – I can't see PSG playing the flamboyant football they showed in the first leg of their semi-final against Bayern Munich.'
'PSG will be worried about going 1-0 down to Arsenal, because they'll know they'll be up against it – they'll be scared of losing the first goal. A cagey game would suit Arsenal well. If PSG arrive with their gung-ho approach, then Arsenal could be in a bit of trouble, but if they play with a fear of going 1-0 down, then Arsenal are right in the game. I'm going to predict a 1-0 win for Arsenal.'
Arsenal beat Alvarez's Atletico Madrid to reach a first Champions League final since 2006, while French champions and holders PSG overcame Bayern Munich.
