The Overlooked Alternative: Could Julian Alvarez Have Elevated Arsenal’s Attack?
In the high-stakes world of football transfers, decisions can shape a team’s season, and Arsenal‘s choice of striker continues to spark debate. This piece explores whether opting for Viktor Gyokeres was the right move, or if Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid might have been the game-changer the Gunners missed out on during their summer hunt for a new forward.
Arsenal’s Quest for the Ideal Forward: A Closer Look
Arsenal’s robust backline will face the challenge of neutralizing a potential former colleague in this upcoming clash. Julian Alvarez, who previously starred for Manchester City, has found his rhythm again in Madrid, yet he was on the verge of joining an English side earlier in the year, making this encounter even more intriguing.
Throughout the early months of 2025, Alvarez emerged as one of several attacking options rumored for Arsenal, but manager Mikel Arteta ultimately chose Gyokeres as the primary striker. Despite the team’s strong start, a segment of fans remains skeptical about the Swedish player’s fit and speculates on the potential benefits of a different attacking option leading the line.
Arsenal’s backline will once again aim to silence a player who nearly became part of their squad. Julian Alvarez, the ex-Manchester City forward, is thriving in his new Madrid environment, though he had the opportunity to relocate to England earlier this year, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the matchup.
During the initial half of 2025, Alvarez was among the forwards casually associated with a transfer to Arsenal, leading Arteta to finalize his decision with Gyokeres as the new lead attacker. Even with the team’s early triumphs, certain supporters express doubts about the Swede’s effectiveness and ponder if a substitute choice could enhance their offensive output.
The Long-Standing Need for a Prolific Striker at Arsenal
Fans of Arsenal have longed for a top-tier goal scorer for years. Growing up idolizing legends like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp sets a high bar, making it tough to settle for players such as Olivier Giroud or Alexandre Lacazette in comparison.
The last notable era when Arsenal‘s forward was truly intimidating was during Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s standout performance in the 2020 FA Cup. Gabriel Jesus showed flashes of brilliance upon his 2022 arrival, reminiscent of a young superstar, but his form dipped after a knee injury at the World Cup that year, and he’s still recovering from an ACL setback.
Adapting with Versatile Options in Attack
In the latter part of the 2023-24 season, Arsenal leaned on Kai Havertz to shoulder the scoring responsibilities, even though he was brought in primarily as a midfielder. His adaptability was a key factor in justifying the £65 million fee from Chelsea, positioning him among the club’s top earners. While Havertz has performed decently as a lone forward, he hasn’t quite demonstrated the qualities needed to secure a Premier League title.
This heavy dependence on Havertz and winger Bukayo Saka for goals and creativity prompted Arteta to seek additional attacking depth. This urgency was amplified by the lackluster performance of the team’s offense during the injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign.
Evaluating Summer Transfer Targets for Arsenal’s Front Line
As the summer transfer period approached, Arsenal‘s list featured two key prospects: Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Gyokeres from Sporting CP. Arteta sought a dominant, high-scoring forward capable of physically challenging defenders.
Despite investing around £250 million ($335 million) overall, Arsenal set a cap on striker expenditures, which played a role in shifting away from Sesko, according to reports, even though he was initially favored by the club’s leadership.
New sporting director Andrea Berta, starting in late March, rejected the terms from Leipzig and Sesko’s team, effectively ending any deal hopes. Meanwhile, negotiations with Sporting for Gyokeres stretched into late July over payment details, but the final figure stayed under £60 million ($80.5 million) after adjustments from his £85 million ($114 million) release clause. Once Sesko was off the table, Gyokeres, with his impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, became the main focus, while Manchester United later secured Sesko for an initial £66.3 million plus add-ons.
Expectations for Immediate Impact from New Signings
While Sesko was viewed as a developing talent by Arsenal, the expectation with Gyokeres was for him to integrate seamlessly and drive the team toward success, drawing on his strong track record in England with Coventry City from 2021 to 2023.
In his first 11 outings for Arsenal, Gyokeres has netted three times: twice in a dominant 5-0 win against Leeds in week two, and once in a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest shortly after the September international break, during the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s brief managerial stint.
Heading into the match against Atletico Madrid, Gyokeres is enduring a nine-game goal drought, yet Arteta doesn’t seem overly concerned. Before Gyokeres‘ scoreless performance in the 1-0 win at Fulham, the manager noted: “I explained to him from the start that the striker I need is one who can manage going several games without scoring. If not, it might not be the right place due to the high expectations.”
Following that match, Arteta added: “He came close a few times today. We were all hoping he’d find the net. His effort for the squad is outstanding, so we’re offering him encouragement, and the goals will follow. He stays composed, with a laser-focused mentality-that’s what I admire most.”
Assessing Gyokeres’ Early Struggles and Potential
The fact that Arteta feels compelled to defend Gyokeres indicates he hasn’t fully met expectations so far. Beyond the statistics, he appeared disconnected during Arsenal‘s 1-0 loss to Liverpool and their tense 1-1 draw with Manchester City at home. Even in games against weaker teams, he’s still acclimating to the Premier League’s intensity and seems slightly out of sync with his teammates-a necessary adjustment, especially since the team is currently leading the league.
Considering Julian Alvarez as a Viable Alternative
Although Gyokeres and Sesko led the race for Arsenal‘s striker spot, Alvarez frequently appeared in transfer rumors linked to the Emirates. In his debut season at Atletico, he delivered 29 goals and eight assists in 57 games, though he wasn’t always content at the club.
Links to Barcelona have persisted for the Argentine star, and if Arsenal had pursued him, it might have been simpler than dealing with Manchester City. However, as per reports from BBC Sport, financial issues prevented any deal, and Berta, who oversaw Alvarez‘s acquisition for up to £81.8 million in 2024, discouraged Arsenal‘s advances.
Contrasting Physical Styles and Playing Approaches
Alvarez doesn’t match the physical build of Gyokeres or Sesko, typically listed around 5’7″ to 5’9″, relying more on his pressing off the ball and technical prowess on it rather than overpowering defenders. Incorporating a player like him could have made Arsenal‘s games more fluid, thanks to his graceful style and talent for involving teammates.
Since Alvarez joined, Atletico has struggled in La Liga title races, but that’s not due to his efforts; he’s been a standout, including a hat-trick in their 5-2 triumph over Real Madrid in September that revitalized their campaign, along with seven goals and three assists in 10 appearances.
The Case for Alvarez as an Immediate Asset
While Gyokeres was touted as a ready-made solution, Alvarez‘s experience as a lone striker in the Premier League with similar setups at City makes him an even stronger candidate for instant success. His upcoming test against defenders like William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will be telling, but Gyokeres‘ difficulties highlight that striker effectiveness goes beyond just physical presence.
At just 25, Alvarez boasts 340 senior appearances for club and country, making him one of the most dependable in terms of fitness. It’s no surprise Pep Guardiola expressed a desire to have him back, saying: “Competing with Erling Haaland was exceptional for us. Julian Alvarez is elite, which is why he’s at a top club like Atletico, under excellent leadership and performing at a high level. I’d love to have him, but I get why he moved on.”
Future Prospects and Historical Context of Arsenal vs. Atletico
Alvarez brings the credentials of a World Cup champion and proven success in both English and Spanish leagues. With his contract extending to 2030, speculation about a departure will linger unless Atletico starts contending for major honors again. It’s conceivable Arsenal could revisit their interest, especially since acquiring high-profile strikers is trending once more.
After their initial loss to Espanyol at the start of the La Liga season, Atletico has only one defeat in the next 10 games, including a 3-2 setback to Liverpool in England last September. Overall, Diego Simeone’s side looks rejuvenated and prepared to challenge elite teams domestically and internationally.
Past Encounters and the Chance for Redemption
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid have met just twice before, in the 2017-18 Europa League semifinals. Despite Arsenal‘s dominance in the first leg at the Emirates, Atletico held on for a 1-1 draw with 10 players and won 1-0 at home to progress and win the trophy. This defeat lingers as a sore spot for Arsenal fans, marking Arsene Wenger’s final opportunity for a title before departing.
The Gunners have a chance to settle the score against Simeone’s team, especially with their solid beginning to the 2025-26 season. Still, don’t underestimate Alvarez‘s ability to influence the outcome dramatically.
The Strengths of Julian Alvarez
When discussing Arsenal’s transfer strategy in the summer window, it’s worth examining why Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid could have been a smarter pick over Viktor Gyokeres. Alvarez, the dynamic Argentine forward, brings a mix of youth, proven track record, and adaptability that aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s attacking needs in the Premier League.
Alvarez’s Impressive Track Record
Alvarez has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels, including his time at Manchester City and now Atletico Madrid. In the 2023-2024 season alone, he notched 17 goals and 5 assists across all competitions, showcasing his clinical finishing and creative playmaking. This level of output could have addressed Arsenal’s ongoing quest for a reliable striker to complement players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
- Key highlights include:
- His pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup victory, where he scored crucial goals.
- Adaptability in various forward positions, from central striker to winger, making him a versatile asset for Mikel Arteta’s fluid tactics.
- A youthful profile at 24 years old, offering long-term value in Arsenal transfer targets for sustained Premier League success.
Performance Statistics Breakdown
Diving deeper into the numbers, Alvarez’s stats paint a picture of a player who excels in high-pressure situations. According to advanced metrics from sources like Opta, he ranks in the 90th percentile for shots on target and progressive carries, indicating his effectiveness in breaking down defenses. In contrast, while Gyokeres had a stellar season at Sporting CP with 29 goals, his adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity remains unproven, as evidenced by similar transitions for other foreign strikers.
- Comparative stats for the 2023-2024 season:
- Alvarez: 0.58 goals per 90 minutes, with 2.1 key passes per game.
- Gyokeres: 0.72 goals per 90 minutes in Portugal, but with lower involvement in build-up play (1.5 key passes per game).
- This suggests Alvarez could offer more balance to Arsenal’s attack, reducing reliance on set pieces and counter-attacks.
Comparing Alvarez and Gyokeres
A side-by-side analysis reveals why prioritizing Alvarez might have given Arsenal an edge in their summer transfer pursuits. Both players are top-tier forwards, but Alvarez’s experience in elite leagues like the Premier League and Champions League makes him a lower-risk option.
Head-to-Head Stats and Style Fit
Alvarez’s style meshes better with Arsenal’s high-pressing game under Arteta. He’s known for his pressing intensity, averaging 4.2 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, which directly contributes to regaining possession in advanced areas. Gyokeres, while explosive, thrives in a more counter-attacking setup, which might not translate as seamlessly to Arsenal’s possession-based approach.
- Pros of choosing Alvarez:
- Immediate impact potential, as seen in his seamless integration at Manchester City.
- Better synergy with existing squad members, potentially boosting Arsenal transfer efficiency.
- Proven resilience in big matches, such as derbies and European ties.
- Potential drawbacks of Gyokeres:
- Higher adaptation curve to English football, with risks similar to past Arsenal signings like Aubameyang’s later struggles.
- His physical style might lead to more injuries, given the Premier League’s demanding schedule.
Potential Impact on Arsenal’s Squad
Bringing in Alvarez could have supercharged Arsenal’s title aspirations by adding depth to their attacking options. With injuries plaguing players like Gabriel Jesus, Alvarez’s availability and fitness record would have provided much-needed stability. In terms of summer transfer window decisions, opting for Gyokeres might have been a gamble on raw potential rather than refined talent.
- Long-term benefits:
- Alvarez’s resale value could be higher due to his international appeal, aligning with Arsenal’s smart transfer market strategies.
- He could mentor younger players, fostering a more cohesive team dynamic in the Premier League.
Transfer Market Dynamics
The financial and strategic aspects of the summer transfer window further support prioritizing Alvarez. At the time, Atletico Madrid’s valuation for Alvarez was around £70-80 million, comparable to Gyokeres’ price tag, but with added benefits in terms of immediate readiness.
Cost Analysis and Value
Arsenal’s budget constraints in the transfer window meant every pound counted. Alvarez’s proven Premier League experience from his Manchester City days could justify the investment, potentially offering better returns than Gyokeres, who was untested at that level. Reports indicated Alvarez’s wage demands were in line with Arsenal’s structure, making him a cost-effective choice.
- Key financial considerations:
- Lower risk of buyer’s remorse, as Alvarez has already adapted to English football culture.
- Enhanced squad value for future Arsenal transfer dealings, with his marketability in Europe.
- Opportunity to negotiate add-ons based on performance, ensuring summer transfer investments align with on-pitch results.
Long-Term Value in Premier League Context
In the broader Premier League landscape, players like Alvarez provide a blueprint for sustainable success. His ability to contribute to both goals and assists positions him as a multi-faceted asset, which could have helped Arsenal maintain competitiveness against rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool. By not pursuing him aggressively, Arsenal might have missed a chance to bolster their squad for the long haul.
- Strategic insights:
- Alvarez’s international experience could elevate Arsenal’s Champions League campaigns.
- Pairing him with existing stars might have created a more balanced attack, addressing key Arsenal transfer regrets from the summer.
