Arsenal may have the chance to land one of Andrea Berta's dream targets this summer. The Gunners will be carefully crafting this summer's transfer window as they look to keep the nucleus of a very successful squad together while trying to upgrade where needed.
Mikel Arteta's men are already Premier League champions, but they fell just short of the Champions League title, and they know they likely need to improve if they want to beat the likes of PSG and Bayern Munich without relying solely on a massive defensive effort, as good that effort was against PSG.
Arsenal want some more quality on the left wing and midfield, while they could yet add another striker in anticipation of Gabriel Jesus' likely departure.
Alvarez situation blows up
julian alvarez
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez shocked many when he revealed his wish to leave the club during a World Cup interview. He said: "I spoke with people at the club, with those I had to speak with and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfill my dream. It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."
Those comments came after Barcelona stirred up interest in Alvarez, and it led Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil to say: "Barcelona doesn’t respect and us believe they can belittle us. I feel great sadness in the face of Julián Álvarez statements.
"It was not the right day to make those statements; it was Messi's day and that of the Argentine national team, not just Julian's. Last year, Barcelona did something very similar with Nico Williams and Athletic Bilbao. Julian has a dream, and we at Atlético also have dreams. It is true that he spoke to us, but it is equally true that he knows our position well, because we have been very clear: Atlético does not want to sell. He is a great player and we are very proud to have him with us”
Arsenal will be watching keenly
Julian AlvarezRodrigo Valle via Reuters
It is no secret that Arsenal chief Berta is a huge fan of Alvarez having spent a huge fee to sign the Argentine while he was with Atletico. The Gunners have continually been linked with a move for Alvarez and are said to be in contact over a move, but he has typically been off the table given he has a long contract and a very expensive release clause with Atleti.
As you can see from the Gil comments, Los Rojiblancos still don't want to sell, but Alvarez pushing for a move can change that, and while he seems to be angling for a Barcelona move, it's not out of the question that he would feel the same - or similar - about the Gunners, given they are now winning major titles, which could be a central part of his 'dream'.
Alvarez can play on the wing and up top, which could really suit Arsenal this summer, given their needs, and it will be interesting to see how they respond to one of their long-term targets potentially becoming available.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on ahead of Champions League final vs Paris St Germain Related
Arsenal Want to Sell 4 Stars After Losing CL Final - With Dream Replacements Named
Their four dream replacements have also been named 👀