Alan Shearer has given Arsenal major hope of 'nabbing' Julian Alvarez before the transfer deadline and says the Atletico Madrid striker would be a title-winning signing.
The Gunners remain interested in signing long-term transfer target Alvarez, who was heavily jeered by Atletico fans during their La Liga draw with Villarreal on Sunday evening. The Atletico fanbase are unhappy with Alvarez's desire to leave the club and secure a controversial move to Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Alvarez's record and Arsenal's interest
Alvarez has spent two seasons in Madrid, scoring 49 goals in 107 appearances following his £82m move from Manchester City. The Argentine World Cup winner lifted back-to-back Premier League titles at Man City but his progress at the Etihad Stadium was blocked by superstar striker Erling Haaland.
Arsenal are interested in Alvarez as £64m signing Viktor Gyokeres endured a mixed first season at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners looked set to miss out on a deal as Alvarez favoured a move to Barcelona, but recent reports claim he has softened his stance over a switch to north London.
Shearer and Richards on the potential deal
And former England striker Shearer believes Arsenal could be in the driving seat to sign Alvarez given Atletico Madrid will not want to sell to a direct rival.
'We've heard of a lot of pushing from Barcelona and the reluctant from Atletico,' Premier League record goalscorer Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast. 'It seems like their thinking might be, "if we have to sell, we're not selling to you [Barcelona]". There's just maybe a small opportunity or a small window there for Arsenal to nab him you would think. And if they do it's done by the way [the Premier League title race].'
Micah Richards has also encouraged Arsenal to press ahead with their interest in Alvarez, insisting he would take Arteta's side to 'the next level'.
'I would actually go for a striker if I was Arsenal and we've all seen the situation with Alvarez at Atletico,' Richards said. 'He was booed by his own fans the other night and there are reports he wants to go to Barcelona. But are Atletico going to sell him to Barca? It might be one for Arsenal to just sneak in there and offer a bid. He's clearly not happy… If Arsenal had Alvarez he would take them to the next level.'
Arsenal's strong position
Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004 last season while reaching the Champions League final. The Gunners began their title defence with a routine 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night.
'Arsenal have put themselves in a hugely positive situation,' Shearer added. 'Everyone else is changing and starting to go again but Arsenal are already there and ready. It took them a while to get there so you have to give them a huge amount of credit. Clearly all their challengers are looking at them and knowing that they're the favourites and in the best position to do it again and even challenge for Europe again. They have an unbelievable opportunity to really stamp their authority on the Premier League over the next couple of years.'
