Micah Richards has urged Arsenal to strengthen in three key areas this summer, including the signing of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, following the club's Champions League final defeat to PSG. The former Manchester City defender believes that with the right additions, Arsenal can compete for major trophies for years to come.
Arsenal's Season Ends on a High and a Low
The Gunners celebrated their first Premier League title since 2004 with a jubilant trophy parade in north London on Sunday. Mikel Arteta's side finished seven points above Pep Guardiola's Manchester City after three consecutive second-place finishes. However, the campaign ended in heartbreak as Arsenal lost to PSG in a penalty shootout in the Champions League final.
Several Arsenal players have vowed to go one better next season and become European champions. Richards believes that goal is achievable with a strong summer transfer window.
Richards' Transfer Recommendations
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: 'I think the pressure is off Arsenal a bit now but the recruitment is going to be key because they've already got a really good squad.' He identified three areas for improvement: a new striker, a left-winger, and a box-to-box midfielder.
On the striker position, Richards highlighted Kai Havertz's technical ability and Viktor Gyokeres' solid first season, but added: 'If they could get someone like Julian Alvarez, that would just give Arsenal something different. He's one of the best strikers in world football going into the World Cup and he's already won one of those with Argentina.'
Regarding the midfield, Richards noted that Christian Norgaard has brought temperament and Myles Lewis-Skelly has shown promise. However, he argued: 'To get the best out of someone like Martin Zubimendi you need to be a little bit higher so he can get on the ball and dictate the game. So maybe they can get someone else in the midfield alongside Rice who is more box to box, more energetic and aggressive.'
Julian Alvarez: The £82m Target
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Alvarez, who has impressed in two seasons at Atletico Madrid following his £82m move from Manchester City. The Argentina international, who won two Premier League titles at City, is valued at around €150m (£120m) by Atletico. Barcelona, the La Liga champions, are also monitoring the situation.
Richards concluded: 'If they get that, a new striker and another winger they can compete for the next two, three, four years now – that's how good I think they can be.'
