Arsenal could make a shock move to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports - with the club having to put plans in place to account for the injury of German star Kai Havertz, despite spending a lot of money on new attacking recruits already in the summer transfer market.
The report by The Sun states that news of Havertz's knee injury has now increased the likelihood of Arsenal going back into the market before the transfer window closes, primarily as backup for new star Viktor Gyokeres in the striking areas - with Alvarez in particular being targeted.
Report: Arsenal 'Want Julian Alvarez' Amid Kai Havertz Injury
julian alvarez
The German star was injured in the winter during the club's warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and alongside Gabriel Jesus not being available for selection, that left Mikel Merino to be used as an auxiliary striker at the Emirates Stadium.
That appeared to be combatted with the signing of Gyokeres, but with Havertz' setback being confirmed, it has forced Mikel Arteta's hand to dip back into the summer window despite spending more than £200million on new signings already this summer.
As a result, the Spaniard wants a centre-forward to cover for Havertz and to put pressure on Gyokeres, with Alvarez being an option to come into their ranks. The Argentine striker already has Premier League experience, having spent two full seasons at Manchester City, scoring 20 goals in just 67 top-flight games as a squad option in both attacking midfield and up front, with a further 16 goals in just 36 games in other competitions.
However, being behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order meant the World Cup-winning star fancied more game time, which he has garnered with Atletico after an £81million move.
29 goals in just 57 games in all competitions last season saw Atleti come third in the La Liga table, as well as reaching the Copa del Rey semi-finals and the Champions League round of 16, where they lost to cross-city rivals Real Madrid - but without winning a major trophy, Atletico could find it hard to topple their La Liga rivals in the race for silverware.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in a similar boat, having failed to win a major trophy for the past five years - and Alvarez's individual brilliance could see them improve upon their second-placed finishes that they've recorded over the past three seasons to finally hoist that all-elusive Premier League trophy.
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