Arsenal have been urged to sign another attacker before the transfer window closes, with former France international Emmanuel Petit believing Mikel Arteta’s side should make one final addition to an already formidable squad.
The Gunners have enjoyed a hugely productive summer but speculation remains that Arteta would like to bring in another marquee attacking player. Julian Alvarez has emerged as one of the names most heavily linked with a late move to north London, although the situation surrounding the Atletico Madrid forward remains complicated.
Recent reports have suggested Arsenal are continuing to monitor Alvarez closely and have maintained contact with both Atletico and the player’s representatives. The Argentina international has made it clear that he wants to leave Atletico, although Barcelona has reportedly remained his preferred destination.
However, Barcelona’s difficulties in completing a deal could potentially open the door for Arsenal. Reports have claimed Alvarez would be prepared to consider a move to the Emirates if his preferred switch to Barcelona cannot happen
Amid the speculation, Petit said: ‘I think we should add a striker and perhaps one more left winger. If Tzolis is injured, who else can play there? Trossard is no longer at the club and Martinelli is going to leave, so who takes that spot?
‘If Tzolis were to be sidelined you would be missing a key player. I believe adding at least two or three more players would be good for Arsenal.
‘If they do that, I think they can achieve back-to-back success, much like Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. They have the confidence and they now know they can win trophies, having already won the Premier League.
‘They reached the Champions League final and know they have the quality to compete against the top teams in Europe.
‘That confidence and happiness is very important. When I watched the Community Shield, they looked really happy to be playing together, which is something that can be very difficult to establish at the start of a season.
‘The core squad and the spine of the team remain the same from last season, so I truly believe ARSENAL will win the title again.
There is certainly a strong argument for Arsenal making one more attacking signing. The Gunners have the quality to challenge for major honours, but adding a player of Alvarez’s calibre would give Arteta another elite option capable of playing across the front line.
Alvarez’s versatility, movement and finishing would also give Arsenal a different dimension in important matches. With the Champions League and Premier League demanding enormous consistency, having another world-class attacker could prove decisive.
The biggest obstacle is clearly the price and the player’s preference for Barcelona. ARSENAL cannot afford to enter an unrealistic bidding war, but if Alvarez becomes genuinely available and willing to move to London, this is an opportunity they should seriously consider.
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