Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Arsenal to do everything they can to sign Julian Alvarez, describing the Argentina forward as a 'top-class' player who could transform the Gunners' attack. The Premier League champions have renewed their interest in the 26-year-old after initially pursuing him earlier in the summer.
Alvarez keen to leave Atletico Madrid
Alvarez is reportedly eager to depart Atletico Madrid this summer after Diego Simeone's side finished fifth in La Liga last season and were eliminated by Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. Atletico spent over £80m to sign the Argentine from Manchester City in 2024, and he has justified that fee with 49 goals across the last two campaigns.
Before his move to Spain, Alvarez scored 36 goals in two seasons at Manchester City, often playing as backup to Erling Haaland. His impressive record has made him Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's top attacking target for the summer window, as Arteta believes the 26-year-old can inject much-needed creativity into the final third.
Arsenal's attacking struggles
Although Arteta led Arsenal to their first Premier League title since 2004 and a Champions League final last season, the team's attack appeared increasingly sluggish in the latter stages of the campaign. Alvarez is seen as a player who can add dynamism and goals to the frontline.
However, Atletico Madrid have reacted angrily to suggestions they might sell Alvarez, especially to La Liga rivals Real Madrid or Barcelona, who have also expressed interest. The Spanish club would demand well over £100m for the World Cup and two-time Premier League winner, but Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to exceed £90m.
Scholes: 'Go get him'
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes made his feelings clear: 'If Atletico Madrid want £100m, any big club needs to go and get him. 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 also compared the potential fee to other recent transfers: 'Atletico Madrid won't want to sell him to Real Madrid or Barcelona. If he's £100m – Elliot Anderson has just gone for £116m – and Alvarez is a match-winner. What a signing that would be.'
Scholes' former Manchester United and England teammate Nicky Butt added: 'He would be a perfect partner for an out-and-out centre-forward like Viktor Gyokeres.'
Gyokeres future uncertain
There remain significant question marks over Viktor Gyokeres, despite his strong second half to the season. Several pundits have called for Arteta to replace the Sweden striker, and it was 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 also tracking midfielders
While Arsenal consider an official bid for Alvarez, the club is also monitoring several midfielders, including England's Morgan Rogers and Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes. For now, Alvarez's focus remains on Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday night, with a potential final against France or Spain to follow.
