Arsenal have been urged to press ahead with a move for Julian Alvarez after putting their interest in Viktor Gyokeres on the backburner. The north Londoners are believed to be in the market for a new striker, having been made to pay for their failure to sign one in January. Mikel Merino was forced to deputise up front last season with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffering injuries.
Gyokeres has been linked with the Gunners for some time, having established himself as one of Europe's most prolific strikers while at Sporting. He scored 39 league goals from just 31 starts last season, helping the Portuguese giants to an impressive league and cup double. The forward is widely expected to move on this summer and is attracting no shortage of interest.
A move to the Premier League has been heavily touted amid interest from Arsenal and Manchester United. However, the Gunners are also pursuing Benjamin Sesko and the Red Devils are considered outsiders after they failed to qualify for Europe.
Juventus have emerged as the favourites to sign Gyokeres given their willingness to match his £211,000-per-week salary demands, according to Corriere dello Sport. Arsenal are said to have shelved their interest in the Sporting man as a result of this development.
They could still complete a move for Sesko, who is another long-term target, but former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is convinced that Alvarez would be a better fit.
Speaking to Prime Casino, he said: "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 everything so much. To have him in your armoury, it would just be exceptional."
Alvarez has already been linked with a move to Liverpool, who are reportedly eyeing a new forward to replace Darwin Nunez. He is a serial winner at just 25 years old, having won the Premier League, FA Cup, World Cup, Copa America and Champions League.
The former Manchester City man was a prolific operator last season, scoring 29 goals in all competitions for Atletico Madrid. His link-up play would also go down well at Arsenal, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli expected to feed off the lone striker.
However, it seems Alvarez would need some convincing in order to accept a return to the Premier League. Last month, it was reported that he was unsure about leaving Atletico Madrid given his smooth transition to life in Spain.
Only time will tell if Arsenal heed the advice of Wright-Phillips over the coming weeks, with a new striker at the top of their shopping list this summer.