Arsenal FC v FC Kairat Almaty - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)
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 in the Spanish capital since his £82m move from Manchester City, scoring 29 goals during his first season at Atletico.
However, there appears to be growing interest in 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 former City striker, who could cost in excess of €100million (£86m).
The Gunners may have the upper hand in any negotiations, given their sporting director Andrea Berta was the person who oversaw Alvarez’s move from City to the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer 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 ‘everything’ needed to be a success under Mikel Arteta.
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Atletico de Madrid v FC Barcelona - Copa Del Rey
Julian Alvarez has been linked with an exit from Atletico Madrid (Picture: Getty)
‘When Julian Alvarez was playing for City, I really liked him,’ Petit told Ignition Casino.
‘He didn’t start every single game but every time he played for City, and for Atletico as well since, he has been really special.
‘He can score goals and give assists, but he’s got temper, personality, and character. I think in terms of movement he is very intelligent.
‘Physically as well, he’s a top player and technically, he’s got everything to suit the best clubs in Europe.
Manchester City v West Ham United - Premier League
The Argentine striker previously won the Premier League with Manchester City (Picture: Getty)
‘The reason why he left City was because he wanted to play regular football, but I think Pep Guardiola would be very happy to have him back in the squad.
‘So definitely, if Arsenal have a chance to get him, with the connection with the Spanish players and the way they play up front, I think that would be great news for Arsenal.
‘That would be a very, very good addition to the squad and a statement.’
Elsewhere, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo insisted that Alvarez is the calibre of player who ‘belongs’ at the Catalan club.
‘He’s a great player; for me, he’s one of the best strikers in the world. You can see the quality he has,’ Araujo said of Alvarez, speaking to Mundo Deportivo.
‘The best players belong at the best club, which is us. That’s obvious. But it’s not my job to do that or make that decision.’
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