After winning the Premier League for the first time in a generation last season, many would argue that Arsenal were more than capable of regaining the title without any new additions.
However, Mikel Arteta has added multiple big-money signings to his ranks this window to further improve his squad’s chances of defending their crown.
Bruno Guimarães, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis have all arrived at the Emirates this summer, subsequently strengthening the quality and depth available to the manager.
Despite over £150m being spent on new additions to date, the hierarchy are on the hunt for added reinforcements before the summer window slams shut on Tuesday.
Why Arsenal still need an Alvarez-level attacker this summer
The current biggest area of concern within Arsenal’s squad remains the left-wing position, even despite the recent move to sign Tzolis from Belgian side Club Brugge.
Leandro Trossard has already completed a move to Besiktas, whilst Brazilian star Gabriel Martinelli appears to be edging ever closer to a move to Saudi Arabia.
As a result, an elite-level option is required in such a department before the window closes, which has seen Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez emerge as a key transfer target.
It’s been reported in recent days that Arsenal are still closely monitoring the Argentine international, with the prospect of making a late dive to secure his signature.
|
Julian Alvarez career by position |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
|
CF |
218 |
108 |
41 |
|
RW |
49 |
12 |
8 |
|
SS |
29 |
11 |
7 |
|
AM |
18 |
6 |
7 |
|
LW |
7 |
2 |
4 |
The 26-year-old has proven quality in the Premier League and Europe – something which is a requirement for any player who arrives to bolster Arteta’s ranks.
Alvarez netted 20 goals and 10 assists across all competitions last campaign, with 14 of his subsequent efforts coming within the Champions League.
Such a competition continues to evade the Gunners, but any move for the aforementioned talent could no doubt push the club one step closer to ending their wait for a major European title.
How Arsenal can land an Alvarez-level signing
Despite the interest in Alvarez’s signature, a deal could well be tricky to complete this window, as the player is said to have his heart set on a move to Barcelona.
His desire is one thing, but a deal could also cost a small fortune, with Diego Simeone’s men said to be demanding at least £100m to sanction a sale for their star man.
As a result, the Gunners may have to turn their attention elsewhere, which could see a move for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford become a distinct possibility.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Arsenal are strongly considering a potential loan move for the Englishman to improve the depth off the left-hand side of the attack.
The report also states that the Gunners could well make an offer for the 28-year-old, but only if the conditions of the deal suit them, due to his heavy wages.
It’s unclear if Michael Carrick’s men would be willing to sanction a temporary move for the attacker, but it’s certainly a deal to keep an eye on as the window draws to a close.
It wouldn’t be the first time Rashford has been on a temporary move away from Old Trafford, as he spent the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Spanish giants Barcelona.
Such a move allowed the forward to recapture his best form, with the winger subsequently managing to outperform fellow target Alvarez in a plethora of key areas.
The United star managed to end the LaLiga season with more combined goals and assists than the Argentine, which could see the Gunners land a bigger attacking talent this window.
His underlying stats also make for excellent reading, as the Englishman achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, whilst placing more of his shots on target per 90.
Away from his goalscoring ability, Rashford also managed to catch the eye with his creativity, which saw him lay on more chances for his teammates per 90.
His higher dribble success rate only further reflects his dominance over Alvarez, subsequently backing up Anthony Gordon’s claim that he is “one of the best players in the world.”
In the Premier League, Rashford has proven he’s more than capable of delivering the goods. With the 28-year-old currently sat on 89 goals in England’s top-flight.
Such a record would hand Arteta the needed experience and quality he craves in attacking areas to retain the club’s title in 2026/27 and possibly beyond.
Whilst a move for Alvarez may be the supporters’ number one priority, a deal for the United star could offer a short-term fix in the club’s efforts to land a new left-winger.
However, it would be a superb signing for the Gunners and one that shouldn’t be downplayed as a desperate attempt to land another attacking option this summer.
