Gary Neville has claimed that Arsenal would become serious Champions League contenders if they manage to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid this summer. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Manchester United defender said the addition of the Argentine striker could be the decisive factor in the Gunners' European campaign.
Neville's verdict on Arsenal's squad
Neville was full of praise for the squad Mikel Arteta has assembled, describing it as one that could dominate domestically and in Europe. 'What a squad he has built here and if he adds another forward into that then I don't see how anyone can stop them,' Neville told Sky Sports.
He added: 'We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona but if they could get Alvarez somehow Arsenal, I mean that is going to light this place up because you've then got a world-class striker to go with all the world-class defenders and midfield players.'
Neville believes that with Alvarez, Arsenal would not just retain their Premier League title but also have the quality to go further in the Champions League. 'And they become, not just Premier League title winners, you then think they can go the extra step and win a Champions League as well,' he said.
Arteta's attacking options
Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard. Summer signing Christos Tzolis impressed on the left flank, but Arteta is reportedly keen to add more firepower before the transfer window closes.
Alvarez is one of Arteta's top attacking targets, but Atletico Madrid have insisted the 26-year-old is not for sale this summer. Despite this, Neville urged Arsenal to make a move, highlighting the impact Alvarez could have on the team's creativity.
'He is exceptional on the ball, his understanding of the game is fantastic,' Neville said. 'I'm being respectful here to Havertz and Gyokeres… but if there was an Ian Wright up front for Arsenal who makes those short runs, he would be even better.'
The Odegaard connection
Neville also suggested that signing Alvarez would elevate Martin Odegaard's game, as the Norwegian playmaker would benefit from a striker who makes intelligent runs in behind. 'I think because Gyokeres always come to the play and so does Havertz, he is always playing possession in the final third, rather than playing those slip through passes, which I think could be so dangerous,' he explained.
'If Arsenal were to sign Alvarez, I actually think he would go up a level as well himself as it would be perfect for the style of play. I think he's a fantastic player,' Neville added.
Neville also noted that Eberechi Eze's arrival at the club initially raised questions about Odegaard's place, but the Norwegian has re-established himself as a key figure. 'I actually thought when Eze came in he would take Odegaard's spot but he looks like he's re-established himself,' he said.
The next ten days could be crucial for Arsenal's transfer business, with Neville stressing the importance of adding a clinical finisher. 'It's massive this next ten days, he needs that little bit of magic up front that when you don't play well, they'll go and win a big game for you. Has he got enough of that? I'm not sure,' he concluded.
