Arsenal Should Have Targeted Julian Alvarez Over Gyokeres

Arsenal’s striker search has been a hot topic in recent transfer windows, but the decision to sign Viktor Gyokeres over Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is proving to be a point of debate ahead of their Champions League clash.

Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma: The Julian Alvarez Question

Arsenal supporters have long craved a new No.9 capable of emulating the prolific talents of Thierry Henry or Dennis Bergkamp. Recent seasons have seen the Gunners struggle for a clinical forward, with the likes of Olivier Giroud, Alexandre Lacazette, and even Gabriel Jesus unable to consistently deliver at the highest level. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Arsenal’s attacking line, leading to an over-reliance on Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz for goals and creativity.

Last summer, manager Mikel Arteta prioritized signing a ready-made striker to lead the line. While Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres were the top candidates, Julian Alvarez’s name was also linked to the Emirates Stadium. However, Arsenal ultimately opted for Gyokeres after protracted negotiations, leaving fans to wonder if they made the right choice.

What Gyokeres Has Brought to Arsenal

Gyokeres arrived with a reputation as a robust and prolific striker after a stellar spell at Sporting CP. His physicality and goal-scoring record in Portugal made him an attractive option. Yet, his adaptation to Premier League football has been challenging. With just three goals in his first 11 appearances and a current nine-game goal drought, Gyokeres has yet to make the desired impact. Arteta has publicly backed his work ethic and resilience, emphasizing patience as the Swede adjusts to the demands of English football.

Despite flashes of promise, Gyokeres has at times looked out of sync with Arsenal’s dynamic attacking style. Crucially, his presence hasn’t yet translated into the consistent output expected from a marquee signing, especially considering Arsenal’s ambitious pursuit of domestic and European silverware.

Julian Alvarez: The One That Got Away?

While Arsenal’s focus was on Gyokeres and Sesko, Julian Alvarez was quietly excelling at Atletico Madrid. The Argentine striker, who previously struggled for game time at Manchester City behind Erling Haaland, has thrived in Spain. In his debut season with Atletico, Alvarez notched 29 goals and eight assists across all competitions. His off-ball movement, pressing, and creativity have made him a key figure in Diego Simeone’s revamped side.

Alvarez’s versatility and experience at the highest level—having been a World Cup winner with Argentina and performing in both the Premier League and La Liga—suggest he could have offered Arsenal a different dimension. His ability to link play and bring others into attack would likely have complemented Saka and Havertz, potentially unlocking an even more potent attack at the Emirates.

Financial and Tactical Considerations

Arsenal’s decision not to pursue Julian Alvarez was partly financial; Atletico’s asking price was steep, and sporting director Andrea Berta was hesitant to sanction a big-money move. Additionally, Alvarez’s stature and playing style differ from the traditional target man profile Arteta seemed to desire. Nevertheless, in an era where fluid, multi-functional forwards are flourishing, Alvarez’s attributes might have been a better fit for Arsenal’s evolving attacking philosophy.

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: A Champions League Test

As Arsenal prepare to host Atletico Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League group stage match, the spotlight will be on both Gyokeres and Alvarez. Atletico are regaining form under Simeone, with Alvarez scoring seven goals and assisting three more in his first 10 games this season. His hat-trick against Real Madrid ignited Atletico’s campaign and highlighted his knack for big moments.

For Arsenal, this fixture is not only a test of their European credentials but also an opportunity to reflect on their striker decision. The Gunners sit atop the Premier League, but questions linger about whether Gyokeres can deliver when it matters most, especially as the knockout rounds approach.

History and Rivalry

The history between Arsenal and Atletico adds an extra layer of intrigue. Their previous European meetings, especially the 2017-18 Europa League semifinal where Atletico edged Arsenal, still sting for many Gunners fans. Now, with both clubs looking to make a statement in Europe, the duel between their marquee strikers could prove decisive.

Could Arsenal Reignite Interest in Julian Alvarez?

With Alvarez under contract at Atletico until 2030, a future move would require significant investment. However, as transfer market dynamics shift and Arsenal continue their quest for silverware, it’s not inconceivable that the North London club could revisit their interest—especially if Gyokeres fails to deliver at the highest level.

Pep Guardiola’s recent comments highlight Alvarez’s value: “Julian Alvarez is top. Maybe I’d love to have him back… but I understand why he left.” Such praise from a manager of Guardiola’s stature only reinforces the sense that Arsenal may have missed an opportunity.

Opinion: Did Arsenal Make the Right Choice?

In hindsight, prioritizing Julian Alvarez over Viktor Gyokeres might have given Arsenal a more complete and dynamic attacking threat. Alvarez’s pedigree, versatility, and proven ability at the elite level set him apart. While Gyokeres deserves time to acclimatize and could yet prove a wise investment, Arsenal’s ambitions demand immediate impact. If the Gunners falter in the latter stages of the season, their choice of striker will undoubtedly come under further scrutiny.

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