Arsenal made an offer worth £105m to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez last summer, before they signed Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports in Spain.
The Gunners had a very busy summer window strengthening their attacking options as they signed Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, and they have been rewarded as they currently sit top of the Premier League, in the final of the Carabao Cup, Champions League Last 16 and FA Cup fifth round.
But while Gyokeres is their top scorer in all competitions this season, having netted 13 goals since his move from Sporting, it has now emerged that he wasn't their first choice striker target.
Arsenal Made Julian Alvarez Offer
julian alvarez-1
Alvarez, who has been described as 'the world's best player' by Fernando Torres, was a revelation in the Spanish league last season, scoring 29 goals and registering eight assists in 56 appearances for Atletico, including once in the Club World Cup during the summer.
But according to Estadio Deportivo journalist Ruben Uria, during that tournament the Argentina international was subject to a £105m offer from Arsenal, which was immediately rejected by Atletico Madrid as they want to keep hold of their star forward.
Andrea Berta, who took Alvarez to Madrid from Man City, was keen to be reunited with the forward and tabled the offer to bring him back to the Premier League, however, Atletico instead promised to open talks over a new deal, which is now expected to materialise imminently.
Arsenal Offered Mega Contract
Julian Alvarez in action for Atletico Madrid
According to the report, the Gunners tabled a contract offer worth £400,000-a-week for five years, and now Atletico Madrid have had to offer him a contract worth a similar amount to keep him happy.
Both Arsenal and Barcelona remain strongly interested in the forward ahead of the upcoming summer window too, and both could make a fresh move to add him to their squad if the opportunity arises. However, it's reported that as it stands the player currently has no intention of returning to the Premier League or joining Arsenal.
Is Alvarez Better Than Gyokeres?
Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT if Alvarez would be a better option that Gyokeres for the striker role at Arsenal, and this was its response:
Viktor GyökeresElite penalty-box finisher; prolific scoring record and major goal threat.
Strong aerial presence and physicality for Premier League duels.
Best if Arsenal want a classic No.9 focal point.
Julián ÁlvarezMore creative; creates more chances and links play better.
Proven at elite level with strong goal output in top leagues.
Better for fluid, pressing system.
Verdict: Gyökeres = pure scorer; Álvarez = all-round forward — likely better tactical fit.
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