Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has urged Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez following their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
The Gunners recently ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title. They had the opportunity to win the Champions League too, but lost out to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said the pressure is off the Gunners after they lifted a long-awaited league title, but the recruitment will still be crucial this summer.
He said: “I think the pressure is off Arsenal a bit now, but the recruitment is going to be key because they’ve already got a really good squad.
The 37-year-old added that the Gunners should sign a new striker and believes Alvarez would offer something different to the club’s frontline.
He added: “I think they need another striker.
“Kai Havertz is outstanding in terms of technical ability, and Viktor Gyokeres has done well in his first season.
“But if they could get someone like Julian Alvarez, that would just give Arsenal something different.
“He’s one of the best strikers in world football going into the World Cup, and he’s already won one of those with Argentina.”
Alvarez would be an outstanding signing
The Argentine signed for Atletico from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 for £81 million.
Alvarez had a brilliant debut campaign with Diego Simeone’s side, scoring 29 goals and providing nine assists.
He had a slight dip in form last season, but still managed 29 goal contributions at the Madrid heavyweights.
Alvarez is primarily a centre-forward, but he has the knack of dropping into attacking midfield at regular intervals.
The 26-year-old, described as ‘world-class‘ by FIFA.com, can create chances for his teammates as well as score goals.
He has also impressed with his close distribution under pressure and does not shy away from high-pressing opponents.
Hence, the River Plate graduate is a complete package as a striker, but Arsenal could still struggle to land his signature.
Alvarez has revealed his intention to leave Atletico, but he appears to have a clear preference to join Barcelona.
Arsenal are unlikely to make an official approach for the former Man City man unless they can convince him to join.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com