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News
- 4 hours ago
Arsenal urged to complete €120m striker signing
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 26 Jan 2026 15:48 GMT
- 4 min read
News
England legend Gary Lineker believes it would be “game over” if Arsenal complete the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez this summer.
The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium on a number of occasions over the past few years and the Gunners have now rekindled their interest in his signature ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window.
Current ETV
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
ETV Range
€108M - €132M
Mikel Arteta’s side bolstered their attacking roster with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last year, but the 27-year-old has struggled to adapt to life in England and he has only notched five goals in 21 Premier League appearances this term.
As a result, Arsenal have been widely tipped to pursue another new striker this summer and multiple reports have confirmed that Alvarez is firmly on their radar.
The ex-Manchester City star has registered 53 goal contributions in 86 games since his arrival at Atletico Madrid in 2024 and it’s understood that he will look to leave the Wanda Metropolitano later this year amid significant transfer interest from several elite European clubs.
Barcelona and Chelsea are both reportedly keeping close tabs on the Argentina centre forward, however Lineker has urged Arsenal to win the race for his signature if they want to establish themselves as the dominant force in English football.
Arsenal urged to sign Julian Alvarez
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, Lineker told The Rest is Football podcast: “They’ve not got anyone really banging in the goals on a regular basis.
“Gabriel Jesus has come back and scored one or two but there was a reason they needed to sign a new No. 9 in the first place.
“I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and harries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky - when he’s on he’s on but when he’s off he is a bit of a confidence player.
STATS
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
Julián Alvarez
F (C)
Atlético Madrid
“It’s probably complete b*** as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico.
“Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion - he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over.
“But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”
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