Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes the Gunners should make a move for Julian Alvarez this summer, describing the striker as a “no-brainer” signing as the club continues its search for more firepower in attack.
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, Parlour said Alvarez has all the qualities needed to strengthen Arsenal’s frontline and believes the current transfer market lacks elite centre-forwards compared to previous eras.
Parlour sees Alvarez as ideal fit
The former Arsenal midfielder praised the Atletico Madrid forward for his work ethic, movement and finishing ability, insisting he could thrive in the Premier League.
“I think that would be a decent signing, definitely,” Parlour said. “I mean, he’s a goalscorer, and he’s done really well at Atletico. I think it’s a no-brainer.”
Parlour also pointed to what he sees as a shortage of top-class strikers in the modern game.
“There aren’t a lot of great strikers around, are there?” he said.
“I was talking to my mate in the pub the other day and I said, in my era – just looking at English players – you had Shearer, Fowler, Les Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham. You had so many good strikers. But if you look at it now, there’s a real lack of top strikers.”
The former midfielder believes Alvarez would add something different to Arsenal’s attack and even suggested he could form a partnership with Viktor Gyokeres should the club pursue both players.
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Partnership with Gyokeres could work
“I’m sure there’d be a lot of clubs after Alvarez, but he would fit in pretty nicely,” Parlour added. “He’s hard-working, a good finisher, and quick.”
“He’s a little bit different to Gyokeres, isn’t he? Sometimes you can play two up front; maybe he can drop a little bit deeper at times and run off Gyokeres. That could work.”
Parlour made it clear that strengthening the centre-forward position should remain Arsenal‘s top priority ahead of the new season.
Mbappe move would be a major statement
Parlour also discussed the possibility of Arsenal making an ambitious move for Kylian Mbappe, although he admitted finances could prove a major obstacle.
“If he can win you titles and win you trophies, then sometimes you’ve got to really push the boat out,” he said.
Parlour added that signing Mbappe “could be the difference between winning another three Premier League titles or not” and concluded: “He’s young enough that he’d be perfect for that squad. But that would be some statement if Arsenal went out and got Mbappe.”
