GARY NEVILLE has urged Arsenal to go and get Julian Alvarez to complete Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging attack.
The Argentine striker has been on the Gunners’ shortlist throughout the window.
Gary Neville has urged Arsenal to go all out to land Julian Alvarez this summer Credit: Getty
But navigating a deal for his services with Atletico Madrid has proven difficult, with Barcelona reported to be his preferred destination.
But Neville told the North London outfit that he could be the difference maker in European competition if they want to go one better than their final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain last season.
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Neville was on Sky Sports punditry duty for Arsenal‘s 3-0 win in their opener against Coventry City, but he felt something was still missing from the side.
He said: “We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona, but if Arsenal could get Alvarez somehow that is going to light this place up, because then you have a world class striker to go with all the other world class defenders and midfield players.
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“They’d become not just Premier League title winners, but you’re then thinking that they can go that extra step and win the Champions League as well.
“He does need that little bit of magic up front that when you don’t play well they’ll go and win a big game for you. Has he got enough of that? I’m not sure.”
Neville’s appreciation for the star extends beyond what he can bring to the team in terms of goals, but to how he can get the best out of his fellow stars.
He explained that the versatile forward could be the key to unlocking the full potential of Martin Odegaard in midfield.
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Neville was glowing in his review of the Atletico forward and what he could bring to Arsenal Credit: Sky Sports
The Norwegian technician was awarded man of the match for his performance against Coventry, which saw him score his side’s third to seal the result.
Neville added: “I think that, and I’m being respectful to Havertz and Gyokeres, but if there was an Ian Wright up front for Arsenal who made those little runs all the time, he (Odegaard) would be even better.
“I actually think that if Arsenal were to get an Alvarez, I think he would go up a level himself, because I think that would be perfect for the style of play.”
If Arsenal are to make a final push for the World Cup winner, they have just days left in the window to do so, and will still have to find a way to leapfrog Barca on his list of priorities.
Neville reckons that Martin Odegaard could benefit from a more willing runner up front Credit: Getty
Alvarez’s numbers for Atletico speak for themselves in terms of his versatility as both a finished and a creator
