Arsenal Encouraged to Exploit Key Advantage in £86m Julian Alvarez Transfer Race
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has publicly advocated for the Gunners to secure the signature of Julian Alvarez, the Argentine forward currently starring at Atletico Madrid. Petit believes Alvarez would be an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta's attacking system and has called on the club to make a move this summer.
Speculation Intensifies Over Alvarez's Future
Rumours regarding Julian Alvarez's future have been escalating ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. The 26-year-old striker, who joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in the summer of 2024, has been linked with a return to the Premier League. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly showing interest, while Spanish giants Barcelona are also monitoring the situation closely.
Alvarez could command a transfer fee in excess of €100 million, which equates to approximately £86 million. His performances in Spain have been impressive, with the Argentine netting 12 goals and providing six assists across 34 appearances in all competitions this season.
Petit's Endorsement and Arsenal's Potential Edge
In an interview with Ignition Casino, Petit expressed his admiration for Alvarez, highlighting the forward's multifaceted abilities. "When Julian Alvarez was playing for City, I really liked him," Petit stated. "He didn't start every single game but every time he played for City, and for Atletico [Madrid] as well since, he has been really special."
Petit elaborated on Alvarez's qualities, noting: "He can score goals and give assists, but he's got temper, personality, and character. I think in terms of movement he is very intelligent. Physically as well, he's a top player and technically, he's got everything to suit the best clubs in Europe."
Critically, Petit pointed out that Arsenal may hold a significant advantage in any negotiations for Alvarez. The Gunners' sporting director, Andrea Berta, was instrumental in orchestrating Alvarez's transfer from Manchester City to Atletico Madrid in 2024. This existing relationship could prove to be a decisive factor in securing the player's signature.
Guardiola's Regret and Alvarez's Departure
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously acknowledged that he would welcome Alvarez back to the Etihad Stadium. Alvarez left City in search of regular first-team football, a decision Guardiola understood but regretted. "Maybe I'd love to have him... but I understand why he left," Guardiola remarked in October. "Julian Alvarez is top. That's why now he's at one of the best clubs in the world, Atleti, playing for a top class manager, players, performing unbelievably."
Petit echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Guardiola would be pleased to have Alvarez back in his squad. However, with Arsenal's potential upper hand, the Gunners could be well-positioned to bring the Argentine to North London.
A Strategic Move for Arsenal
Petit concluded by emphasising the strategic importance of signing Alvarez for Arsenal. "So definitely, if Arsenal have a chance to get him, with the connection with the Spanish players and the way they play up front, I think that would be great news for Arsenal," he said. "That would be a very, very good addition to the squad and a statement."
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez, leveraging their connection through Andrea Berta, could become a defining narrative in their efforts to bolster Arteta's squad and challenge for top honours.
