Gary Neville has predicted Arsenal can go the extra step and win the Champions League if they sign Julian Alvarez. The Gunners began the defence of their Premier League crown on Friday night, beating newly-promoted Coventry City 3-0 with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all on the scoresheet.
Atletico Madrid 'soften' stance on Alvarez
Ezri Konsa was presented to supporters prior to kick-off in north London after completing his £55million transfer from Aston Villa, though he is not expected to be the club's final signing before the window closes. Alvarez continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and there's been a fresh twist to the summer-long saga as Atletico Madrid have reportedly softened their stance on selling the Argentina international.
It is claimed that Atletico have accepted that it is best that the 26-year-old leaves the club this summer and are ready to do business with Arsenal. Neville is of the opinion Mikel Arteta's side should pursue a deal.
Neville's verdict on Arsenal's squad
"What a squad he has built here and if he adds another forward into that then I don't see how anyone can stop them," Neville said on Sky Sports. "We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona but if they could get Alvarez somehow Arsenal, that is going to light this place up because you've then got a world class striker to go with all the world class defenders and midfield players."
"And they become, not just Premier League title winners, you then think they can go the extra step and win a Champions League as well. It's massive this next ten days, he [Arteta] needs that little bit of magic up front that when you don't play well, they'll go and win a big game for you. Has he got enough of that? I'm not sure."
Odegaard could benefit from Alvarez arrival
Neville also added that Martin Odegaard could benefit from the potential arrival of Alvarez. "He's exceptional. If there was an Ian Wright-type player up front for Arsenal who makes those short runs he'd be even better," Neville continued. "As Havertz and Gyokeres always come to the ball, Odegaard has to play possession rather than playing the slip passes.
"If Arsenal were to sign Julian Alvarez then he'd go up a level as it would be perfect for the style of play. He's a fantastic player. When Eberechi Eze came in I though he'd take Odegaard's spot but he's re-established himself."
