Gary Neville believes Arsenal would become strong contenders to win the Champions League this season if they sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Summer signing Christos Tzolis impressed on the left flank, but Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer window closes.
Alvarez transfer target
Alvarez is one of Arteta's top attacking targets, though Atletico Madrid have insisted the Argentine will not be sold this summer. Neville says Arsenal are already in a strong position to retain their Premier League title, but the addition of Alvarez could prove decisive in their Champions League campaign.
'What a squad he [Arteta] has built here and if he adds another forward into that then I don't see how anyone can stop them,' Neville told Sky Sports.
Neville's verdict
'We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona but if they could get Alvarez somehow Arsenal, I mean 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.'
Neville also suggested Odegaard would benefit from Alvarez's arrival, saying: 'If Arsenal were to sign Alvarez, I actually think he [Odegaard] would go up a level as well himself as it would be perfect for the style of play. I think he's a fantastic player.'
