Mikel Arteta wants to upgrade his attack for the 2026-27 season and Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez is high on Arsenal’s shopping list as the summer transfer window hots up
Thierry Henry has given another glowing review of Arsenal transfer target Julian Alvarez. The Gunners are exploring a move for Alvarez, 26, amid stiff competition from Barcelona, who are reportedly preparing a colossal £117million bid.
The Atletico Madrid striker has enjoyed two prolific seasons in Spain after leaving Manchester City for £82m. Alvarez is keen on joining Barcelona but Atletico would prefer to sell him to Arsenal or fellow admirers Paris Saint-Germain.
Henry’s comments suggest that he’d love to see him at Arsenal, heaping praise on the Argentina international, who’s currently at the World Cup. Appearing on Rio Ferdinand Presents, presented by Airbnb, the Arsenal legend was discussing Harry Kane and named another of his favourite strikers.
“I like Julian Alvarez,” Henry affirmed. “I like nines that can do virtually everything.”
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And a year ago, the Frenchman told the Stick to Football podcast: “One of my favourite nines out there at the minute is Julian Alvarez. We’ve been talking about it, putting pressure, playing alone, low, whatever you want to do.
“Did you see the free-kick he scored the other day? He can hold the ball alone, he played at the Olympic Games, he played in the Copa America.
“I don’t hear him saying, ‘I’m tired’ or not tired. Hopefully, nothing bad is going to happen to him. He’s played everything and the way he plays, I just like him.”
Should Arsenal sign Julian Alvarez? Have your say in the comments section.
Alvarez would offer a contrast to Viktor Gyokeres, who plays as a more traditional striker. Also able to play out wide, Alvarez boasts the level of versatility which Mikel Arteta likes his players to have.
Arteta is looking at other forward options including Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, PSG’s Bradley Barcola and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis. The Arsenal manager will be backed in the summer transfer window, as club chiefs aim to build on their Premier League title win.
“We’ve already had a few conversations about different areas that we think we can improve – both on and off the pitch,” Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke told NBC Sports. “We are looking forward to getting that going this summer.
Head to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel at 8am on Friday, June 19 to watch the full interview.
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