Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsenal to pursue the ‘statement’ signing of Julian Alvarez as speculation intensifies over his long-term future at Atletico Madrid.
Alvarez has enjoyed a productive spell within the Spanish capital since his £82m move from Manchester City, scoring 29 goals during his first season at Atletico.
Nevertheless, there appears to be growing interest within the Argentina international ahead of next summer’s transfer window.
Alvarez has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with reports in Argentina suggesting that Chelsea are ‘advancing’ in talks to sign the striker.
Barcelona are also credited with interest in Alvarez, while Arsenal are also said to be mulling a move for the previous City striker, who could cost in excess of €100million (£86m).
The Gunners can have the upper hand in any negotiations, given their sporting director Andrea Berta was the one that oversaw Alvarez’s move from City to the Wanda Metropolitano in the summertime of 2024.
And former Arsenal midfielder Petit believes the club should make it a priority to sign Alvarez this summer, insisting the 25-year-old has ‘all the things’ needed to be a hit under Mikel Arteta.
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‘When Julian Alvarez was playing for City, I actually liked him,’ Petit told Ignition Casino.
‘He didn’t start each game but each time he played for City, and for Atletico as well since, he has been really special.
‘He can rating goals and provides assists, but he’s got temper, personality, and character. I believe when it comes to movement he may be very intelligent.
‘Physically as well, he’s a top player and technically, he’s got all the things to suit one of the best clubs in Europe.
‘The rationale why he left City was because he desired to play regular football, but I believe Pep Guardiola can be very glad to have him back within the squad.
‘So definitely, if Arsenal have a probability to get him, with the reference to the Spanish players and the best way they play up front, I believe that might be great news for Arsenal.
‘That might be a really, superb addition to the squad and an announcement.’
Elsewhere, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo insisted that Alvarez is the calibre of player who ‘belongs’ on the Catalan club.
‘He’s an important player; for me, he’s among the finest strikers on the earth. You’ll be able to see the standard he has,’ Araujo said of Alvarez, chatting with Mundo Deportivo.
‘The most effective players belong at one of the best club, which is us. That’s obvious. However it’s not my job to try this or make that call.’
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