Neville urges Arsenal to secure Alvarez in final transfer window days
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville argues that signing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is the final piece required for Arsenal to challenge for European success.
Defending Premier League champions Arsenal have received a public call to action from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, who believes the club must sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez in the remaining days of the transfer window. The recommendation follows a commanding 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry at the Emirates Stadium, a result that extended the Gunners' momentum from their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City.
Neville described the squad assembled by manager Mikel Arteta as world-class, noting that the addition of Alvarez would provide the necessary "magic" to elevate the team beyond domestic success. He suggested that a striker of Alvarez's calibre would complement the existing defensive and midfield units, potentially allowing Arsenal to secure a Champions League title. "It's a massive 10 days," Neville stated, emphasising the urgency of the deadline.
The pundit highlighted tactical benefits, arguing that Alvarez would allow captain Martin Odegaard to operate more effectively. Neville contended that a player capable of making short runs would free Odegaard to play slip passes, contrasting this with the current approach of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres, who he said "always come to the ball." This dynamic, Neville argued, would raise Odegaard's performance to a higher level.
However, securing the Argentine international remains a significant challenge. Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil has previously indicated that the club has no desire to sell Alvarez, stating they would not accept a fee of £170 million. Despite this reluctance, Neville encouraged Arsenal to test Atletico's resolve, while noting that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be interested in the forward.
Fellow Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher offered a slightly different perspective, agreeing that Arsenal lack a world-class player in the front four but suggesting that the psychological advantage of being champions could elevate the team without a superstar signing. Carragher noted that players such as Bukayo Saka and Odegaard are capable of reaching elite levels, having previously been close to the standards set by players like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
Arteta, in his post-match press conference, maintained that the primary focus remains on improving player connections and fitness. He noted the limited time Saka, Odegaard, and Ben White had spent together last season due to injuries. The Coventry match marked only the second time since December 2024 that Saka, Odegaard, and Havertz started together, with all three finding the net in the 3-0 win.
