Mikel Arteta addressed journalists after Arsenal’s victory against Coventry City in the first match of the Premier League season.
Arteta deflected questions about whether Arsenal still require a player comparable to Julian Alvarez before the transfer window closes. The Atletico Madrid forward has attracted interest from the Emirates Stadium as Andrea Berta seeks to strengthen the attacking options, though securing a deal may prove challenging.
Sources indicate the north London club are monitoring Alvarez, whose contract at the Metropolitano runs until June 2030. Both Arteta and Andre Berta are understood to hold the Argentina international in high regard and would welcome his arrival at the club.
The Gunners are believed to be tracking Alvarez’s circumstances, having made Atletico’s hierarchy aware of his wish to depart. The Spanish club, determined to retain the 26-year-old who reportedly favours a switch to Barcelona, have set a valuation of €200m (£171m) – significantly above what Arsenal are prepared to pay.
Speaking to journalists at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening, following Arsenal’s three-goal victory over newly promoted Coventry in the season opener, Arteta expressed satisfaction with his current roster.
When questioned about whether Arsenal still require a player comparable to Alvarez, having completely outclassed the opposition, the Spanish manager indicated he was happy with the squad and that the main focus should be on improving the players already at the club, given the quality they already possess.
Sources suggest Arsenal’s senior leadership view Alvarez as capable of helping Arteta elevate the club to greater heights. Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports after the Coventry win, identified the Argentine as someone who could achieve exactly that.
The Manchester United great said Arteta had built an excellent squad and believed adding another forward such as Julian Alvarez would significantly strengthen the team. He felt this would provide a world-class striker to complement their already world-class defenders and midfielders. Neville suggested this addition could potentially help Arsenal not just win the Premier League but also progress to Champions League success. He noted the importance of adding some magic in the forward position, describing it as someone capable of winning games even when the team is not performing well.
Neville also indicated Alvarez would enhance Odegaard’s capabilities. The former United defender described Alvarez as exceptional and suggested that if Arsenal had an Ian Wright-type player making short runs upfront, Odegaard would perform even better. He observed that because Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres tend to come to the ball, Odegaard is forced to play possession football rather than the slip passes that might suit his game better. Neville believed if Arsenal signed Julian Alvarez, Odegaard would go up a level as it would be perfect for the style of play. He praised Alvarez as a fantastic player and noted that despite initially thinking Eberechi Eze might take Odegaard’s spot, the Norwegian has re-established himself in the team.