Gary Lineker (left) and Mikel Arteta - both pics GETTY
Gary Lineker (left) and Mikel Arteta - both pics GETTY
Former Leicester city striker Gary Linekar has said that Arsenal's premier league title push would recieve a huge fillip if they sign Atletico Madrid hitman Julian Alvarez. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner won two English top-flight titles at Manchester City between 2022 to 2024.
The Gunners suffered their first home defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 3-2 to Manchester United. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta's side remain atop the standings, four points clear of second-placed Manchester City after 23 games.
In the aforementioned defeat to United at the Emirates, the Gunners led early, thanks to a Risandro Martinez own goal, and recovered late on to equalise at 2-2, only to concede a late winner.
"They’ve not got anyone really banging in the goals on a regular basis,” Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast (via Football 365).
"Gabriel Jesus has come back and scored one or two but there was a reason they needed to sign a new No. 9 in the first place."
He continued:
“I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and harries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky – when he’s on he’s on but when he’s off he a bit of a confidence player.
“It’s probably complete b*** as most of these things are on social media, but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez, who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico."
Lineker concluded:
"Now that is the type of player that can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
Alvarez has scored 40 times in 86 games across competitions for Atletico since arriving from City one and a half years ago.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League - Source: Getty
Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League - Source: Getty
Arsenal are in the midst of a superb season. Mekel Atrteta's side are at the top of the standings in both the Premier League as well as the UEFA Champions League.
Following their aforementioned defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday, they returned to action on Wednesday (January 28) against Kairat in the Champions League in their final league phase game.
The Gunners are the only side in the competition to win their opening seven matches and are already through to the knockouts ahead of matchday eight.