Arsenal are now "ready" to make a move for a "world-class" attacking player as they bid to get one over on Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Gunners prepared to make move for new centre-forward
Gary Lineker recently suggested the Gunners need to make a new addition in the centre-forward department, given that he hasn't been left overly impressed by Viktor Gyokeres' performances since arriving from Sporting CP last summer.
The former striker said: "I look at Arsenal, and it’s hard to be too critical, but I still think they’re a bit short up top. I prefer Havertz up there personally if they can get him fit. Gives them a bit more, I think."
Kai Havertz is yet to get on the scoresheet in the Premier League this season, but he has fared well in the cup competitions since returning from injury, scoring important goals against Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Gyokeres, on the other hand, has made a name for himself as a flat-track bully in the Premier League, predominantly scoring against relegation-threatened or newly-promoted sides, such as Leeds United, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur.
As such, Arsenal have now set out to sign a new striker this summer, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have been in regular contact to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, in a hijack of Chelsea, who have been pushing hard to get a deal over the line.
A deal would be expensive, with the La Liga heavyweights set to hold out for at least €100m (£87m), and competition for the striker's signature could be fierce, given that Chelsea are still in the race, alongside Barcelona, with the Camp Nou his preferred destination.
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their fifth goal with Antoine Griezmann
A TEAMtalk source added: "Barca have been told from Alvarez’s side that this will not become a saga. They know both Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to go, they really want him.
"Alvarez’s camp talking to Arsenal and Chelsea is no tactic, they are very serious. He is happy to move to London and join one of Europe’s biggest clubs – that is not a problem to him and that has been made clear."
"World-class" Alvarez could take Arsenal to next level
Unlike Gyokeres, who has struggled to make his mark in big games, the Atletico star has scored in some big games this season, such as the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final against Barcelona, and the 5-2 blitz of Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16.
Lauded as "world-class" by football writer Owuraku Ampofo, the Argentinian has maintained a very impressive goal and assist record throughout his career to date, having previously proven himself in the Premier League with Manchester City.
Julian Alvarez's career stats Appearances Goal involvements
River Plate 122 85
Manchester City 103 55
Atletico Madrid 98 60
Alvarez could take Arsenal to the next level, and it is exciting news that Andrea Berta is ready to make a move.