Our Seeing Red podcast hosts Tom Canton and John Cross give their thoughts on the latest transfer news with a particular attention to Julian Alvarez
Julian Alavarez's future remains unresolved with late hope from Arsenal to complete a transfer
Julian Alavarez's future remains unresolved with late hope from Arsenal to complete a transfer(Image: Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View Image
The transfer saga of Julian Alvarez and the interest from Barcelona and Arsenal has been the headline act of this market’s crescendo. The Gunners remain keen to sign the Argentine, however, so far the player has not given the green light for the North London side to make an approach.
Whether it is because he holds out remaining hope of a move to Barca, when his club have gone on record to state there is a zero per cent chance of such a move happening, remains to be seen. Yet the Gunners are seemingly aware that if they are to land a marquee forward this summer, Alvarez is their only remaining option.
This has therefore become the main talking point of this week’s Seeing Red unofficial Arsenal podcast. Our hosts Tom Canton and John Cross focused in on the Argentine’s position and whether it even makes sense for Arsenal to pursue a deal.
FOLLOW OUR FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
“I think people underestimate the fact then that Gabriel Jesus is on a lot of money, you know?” Cross said. “[They] still haven't found a deal for him. He's got a year left. Fabio Vieira, they've obviously sorted out Reece Nelson and Martinelli, still not done (at the time of recording).
“And also, if they brought in Alvarez, I mean, lots of people talk about Alvarez being a kind of an option from the left hand side. Is he? Is he?
“I'm not sure. Come on, you've watched a lot of Alvarez. I think, but to me, he's a better player through the middle!”
Canton jumped in, “£120m to play him out of position?”
Cross replied, “I mean, look, in a certain formation, without a shadow of a doubt, that he can play off the left a bit, but that's a different formation to the one that Arsenal [use]. And so I don't quite get where this has come from, because it's not… it doesn't make a great deal of sense.
“But for example, you know, even if they got the players that they want out, which I personally think they need to do before they can countenance signing Alvarez.
“Then I think then that they would still be left with Havertz, Gyokeres and Alvarez. Now, if you could put one into the deal, you know…
Tom proposes, “Gyokeres?”
“Yeah,” Cross replied. “Then you'd be, maybe you'd be talking. But then I just feel, Tom, there's so much, so much complexity to this deal that I think this notion that it can be done by Tuesday, 11 o'clock, when there's, what, four players to be resolved to get it done.
“I think it's a big ask. I do. You know, and people will be laughing at this, and basically, you know, going, I'll just pick up the phone and stuff like that.”
Article continues below
Tom laughs and ends the conversation saying, “Prepare to get clipped!”
You can watch the latest episodes of the podcast on the Seeing Red YouTube channel or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win even more silverware after a successful 2025/26 season.
The North Londoners won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and reached the final of the Champions League - but they will want to go one better this campaign!
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.