Gary Neville believes Arsenal could transform themselves from Premier League champions into genuine UEFA Champions League winners if they can complete a sensational move for Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.
Speaking on Sky Sports following Arsenal’s strong start to the new campaign, the former Manchester United and England defender argued that Mikel Arteta’s squad is already packed with quality but still lacks an extra element of unpredictability in the final third. Neville described Álvarez as the type of forward capable of providing the “magic” Arsenal need in the biggest matches.
Arsenal began their Premier League title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Coventry City, following their Community Shield success against Manchester City. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard were all on the scoresheet, offering further evidence of the attacking talent already available to Arteta.
However, Neville believes the Gunners could still benefit from the addition of a world-class forward capable of producing decisive moments when the team is not at its best, He said: “If they could get Alvarez, somehow, that is going to light this place up. Because then you’ve got a world class striker to go with all the other world class defenders and midfielders.
“You’re then thinking they can go that extra step and win the Champions League as well.”
Neville went on to discuss ARSENAL‘s lack of proven match-winners in their front line, with Bukayo Saka currently arguably on the border of world class but lacking enough proven quality around him.
The former Manchester United defender believes Alvarez could be the difference-maker Arsenal need to take that final step in Europe.
Atlético have publicly maintained a strong stance over their star forward’s future. Reports have also indicated that Álvarez’s situation in Madrid has become increasingly complicated amid transfer speculation, while Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of a major late-window move.
The Argentine’s ability to operate as a central striker, drop into deeper areas and combine with creative players such as Ødegaard could make him an especially attractive fit for Arteta’s system. His previous Premier League experience with Manchester City would also mean a return to England would not represent a leap into the unknown.
Whether ARSENAL can convince Atlético to sell remains the major obstacle. But Neville’s verdict is unequivocal: if the Gunners can add Álvarez’s “magic” to an already talented squad, their Champions League ambitions could become considerably more realistic
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