The Seeing Red podcast features presenters Tom Canton and John Cross discussing Arsenal’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez is the leading contender to become Arsenal’s major attacking addition during the summer transfer period. The north London club continue to seek clarity regarding the feasibility of a deal and whether the player would be receptive to joining.
With the summer window drawing to a close, Arsenal’s alternatives are dwindling. Technical director Andrea Berta faces significant pressure to execute strong sales, while Gabriel Martinelli appears increasingly likely to depart for Saudi Arabia in a deal exceeding £50million.
Unsurprisingly, the situation has become a prominent topic on this week’s edition of the Seeing Red independent Arsenal podcast. Presenters Tom Canton and the returning John Cross examined the Argentine striker’s prospects and assessed the likelihood of a transfer materialising.
Canton observed that a high-profile player received a distinctly unfriendly reception in Madrid at the weekend. He noted that Julian Alvarez has faced substantial jeering from supporters, explaining that during the World Cup the player was emphatic about wanting to progress to the next level. The forward wishes to depart and favours a move to Barcelona. However, Atletico have made clear he will not be permitted to join their rivals, and any sale would not be to the Catalan club. Arsenal have maintained interest throughout the summer but the player has shown reluctance to consider the Emirates Stadium as a destination. At this point, should Alvarez leave, Arsenal may represent the only realistic destination capable of meeting both the transfer fee and wage demands. There is also the Viktor Gyokeres situation to consider, particularly given the Swede’s absence from the match at the weekend. Sources close to the club have played down his lack of playing time as any indication of a potential departure. The deal still appears viable as the window approaches its conclusion. Should the club receive positive signals from the player that he is more amenable to a move, a dramatic end to Arsenal’s transfer activity could ensue.
Cross responded that such negotiations invariably require time. He expressed doubt that a deal could be completed if approval comes only on the final day of the window. Some forward momentum is necessary, even if the transfer ultimately gets done on deadline day. Regarding Alvarez, he has heard numerous analysts suggest the player would represent an excellent acquisition for Arsenal, a view he shares given the forward’s positional flexibility. Alvarez can operate from the left flank or through the centre. However, Cross views him primarily as a central attacker. He struggles to envision a scenario where Alvarez would thrive as a left-sided option. In his opinion, pairing Alvarez on the left wing with Gyokeres through the middle would not constitute an ideal arrangement. The tactical balance would be questionable.