Toby Alderweireld has urged Arsenal to pursue Julian Alvarez instead of Vinicius Junior, as the Gunners continue to be linked with the Real Madrid winger.
Alderweireld's preference
The former Tottenham defender believes Alvarez, who scored 20 goals for Atletico Madrid last season, would be a better fit for the Premier League champions. 'Who is the player to take Arsenal to the next level? For me, it would be Alvarez over Vinicius Junior,' Alderweireld told Hajper. 'I am a big fan of Alvarez. Arsenal have Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz but sometimes I feel they need more quality up front, and Alvarez is an unbelievable striker with a big work rate too.'
Concerns over Vinicius
Alderweireld also questioned whether Vinicius could adapt to English football, saying his behaviour would need to change. 'I think Vinicius Junior has the quality to adapt to the Premier League but his behaviour needs to change. You don't get the Spanish treatment in England. People will get on top of him. That's the way it is.'
He added that the Premier League's physicality would pose a challenge for the Brazilian, comparing it to Eden Hazard's experience. 'Can he deal with it like Eden Hazard did? Vinicius Junior has the talent. He's quick. He's very, very direct. I think if he joins Arsenal it will be a good thing for the Premier League because it brings so much excitement and everything else but he will have to understand that the Premier League is not La Liga.'
New signing Tzolis
Alderweireld also praised Arsenal's recent signing of Christos Tzolis from Genk for £34m, believing the Greek international can excel on the left wing. 'Don't forget, they have already signed Tzolis. I know he comes from the Belgian league but he is already a good player,' he said. 'He's very direct and strong with big legs and he can handle the physical duels of the Premier League. He can go left or right, he's good at shooting and has already proven himself in the Champions League on the very biggest stage. I think they have already bought a very good player there to play down the left.'
Alderweireld compared Tzolis favourably to Leandro Trossard, who has left for Besiktas, saying the new arrival would be more dynamic. 'Trossard has been a good player for Arsenal because he was very creative and dangerous around the box but Tzolis is strong and quick, and will be more dynamic in the Premier League. I think this role will suit Tzolis a lot better than it did Trossard.'
