Alan Shearer has told Arsenal they have a genuine chance to sign Julian Alvarez before the transfer deadline, describing the Atletico Madrid striker as a potential title-winning acquisition. The former England captain's comments come after Alvarez was booed by his own fans during Atletico's La Liga draw with Villarreal on Sunday evening.
The Gunners have long been linked with the Argentine World Cup winner, who has scored 49 goals in 107 appearances for Atletico since his £82m move from Manchester City two seasons ago. However, Arsenal's interest has been complicated by Alvarez's apparent preference for a move to Barcelona, a transfer that has angered the Atletico fanbase.
Shearer sees opportunity for Arsenal
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer suggested that Atletico's reluctance to sell to a direct rival like Barcelona could open the door for Arsenal. 'We've heard of a lot of pushing from Barcelona and the reluctance from Atletico,' said the Premier League's record goalscorer. 'It seems like their thinking might be, "if we have to sell, we're not selling to you [Barcelona]".'
'There's just maybe a small opportunity or a small window there for Arsenal to nab him you would think. And if they do it's done by the way [the Premier League title race],' he added.
Arsenal's interest in Alvarez is partly driven by the mixed first season of Viktor Gyokeres, who arrived for £64m and has yet to fully convince. The Gunners are also aware that Alvarez's progress at Manchester City was limited by the presence of Erling Haaland, despite winning back-to-back Premier League titles there.
Richards backs Arsenal move
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has also encouraged Arsenal to pursue Alvarez, insisting the striker would elevate Mikel Arteta's side. 'I would actually go for a striker if I was Arsenal and we've all seen the situation with Alvarez at Atletico,' Richards said.
'He was booed by his own fans the other night and there are reports he wants to go to Barcelona. But are Atletico going to sell him to Barca? It might be one for Arsenal to just sneak in there and offer a bid. He's clearly not happy… If Arsenal had Alvarez he would take them to the next level.'
Arsenal's title defence began with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night, following their first Premier League triumph since 2004 and a run to the Champions League final last season.
Title race advantage
Shearer believes Arsenal are in a strong position to dominate the league. 'Arsenal have put themselves in a hugely positive situation,' he said. 'Everyone else is changing and starting to go again but Arsenal are already there and ready. It took them a while to get there so you have to give them a huge amount of credit.'
'Clearly all their challengers are looking at them and knowing that they're the favourites and in the best position to do it again and even challenge for Europe again. They have an unbelievable opportunity to really stamp their authority on the Premier League over the next couple of years.'
