Martin Keown has suggested that Julian Alvarez could be the signing to take Arsenal to 'another level' and end the club's long wait for Champions League success. The former Arsenal and England defender made the comments following Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
Arsenal's summer transfer activity
Arsenal have been active in the summer transfer window, aiming to strengthen after winning the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta last season. The club activated a £35million option to sign Piero Hincapie permanently from Bayer Leverkusen, and also completed deals for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis and free agent Illan Meslier.
Despite missing out on top target Vinicius Junior, the £75m arrival of Bruno Guimaraes was seen as a statement of intent. Tzolis and Guimaraes both impressed on their full debuts in the Community Shield win in Cardiff.
Keown on the need for key signings
Speaking to talkSPORT's Jim White, Keown said: 'We're talking about key signings and what they do next. Obviously that's an area… European dominance, never mind domestic dominance, the next step. Of course, the two strikers are under pressure to make that happen.'
He added: 'It may be that someone like Alvarez [could be the man]. He's a player that they looked at last season, they thought about bringing in and that could be the sort of player they're looking at. They need to decide. That's the key at the moment, is the decisions. The ambition is there but they've got to make key signings at the right times.'
Keown also noted that Tzolis 'did exceptionally well' with two assists, but suggested that wide areas could still be strengthened, especially with Gabriel Martinelli not involved in the squad.
Encouraged by Vinicius chase
Although Arsenal were unsuccessful in their pursuit of Vinicius Junior, Keown was encouraged that his former club were in the 'conversation' for the Brazil international. He said: 'No, I never thought for a minute it would happen. But what pleased me was that's the sort of target you want to be going after. If you're talking in those terms then you're going to new levels and that's where Arsenal are right now.'
Keown concluded: 'I don't think Arsenal are finished yet and there's a feeling of desire and ambition in the club that I haven't sensed for many years.' He hopes to see Arsenal assert domestic dominance, adding: 'I think they're capable of doing that. I don't think it's going to be easy. I think what they need to do, though, is hone in on domestic dominance.'
