Arsenal
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Arsenal have been advised to abandon their pursuit of strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko in favour of a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, whom former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips describes as “unique” and the ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners are actively searching for a top-class forward to bolster their attacking line this summer and have held talks with both Sporting CP’s Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Sesko. Gyokeres, 27, has been in prolific form since his move from Coventry City in 2023, netting a remarkable 97 goals in 102 appearances for the Portuguese club. Sesko, 22, while not as prolific, has shown promise in Germany, scoring 39 goals over two seasons.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres was reportedly boosted by claims in Portugal that the Swedish striker had rejected interest from Manchester United in favour of a potential move to north London. However, progress has been slow, with frustrations mounting over Sporting’s valuation and the pace of negotiations. This has led the Gunners to consider prioritising a deal for Sesko instead.
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Despite Arsenal’s interest in both players, Wright-Phillips believes the club should focus their efforts on signing Alvarez, who has impressed since joining Atletico Madrid from Manchester City for £81.5 million last summer. The 2022 World Cup winner scored 29 goals in his debut season in La Liga, thriving after struggling for consistent minutes at the Etihad Stadium due to the presence of Erling Haaland.
Julian Alvarez
Julian Alvarez (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking to Prime Casino, Wright-Phillips made his case: “If I was Arsenal, I’d want Julian Alvarez ahead of any other option. Alvarez is unique with his mobility and finishing. He’s got experience, having won so much. To have him in your armoury would be exceptional.”
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The former Manchester City and Chelsea winger did, however, express a preference between Arsenal’s current top two targets, leaning towards Gyokeres: “Between Sesko and Gyokeres, I’d go for Gyokeres. He’s able to bully defences. He works hard, he’s got all the qualities you’d want. He’s got confidence in front of goal, and I think Arsenal need that—some swagger and aggression. Someone who can’t be bullied off the ball.”
On Sesko, Wright-Phillips was less convinced: “I like Sesko too, he’s a nice player. He reminds me a bit of Dimitar Berbatov—so relaxed, technically gifted. But I don’t think he suits Arsenal. He doesn’t seem right for the high pressing system Arteta prefers, whereas Gyokeres would fit that role better.”
Although both Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly admirers of Alvarez, there is no current indication that Atletico Madrid are open to a summer sale.
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