Alan Shearer Backs Arsenal to Sign Julian Alvarez and Strengthen Title Chances
Alan Shearer has voiced his belief that Arsenal should move quickly to secure Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid before the transfer window closes. With interest from Barcelona still strong, Shearer feels the Gunners have a real chance to land the striker and boost their hopes for another Premier League title.
Chance to Capitalize on Tension Between Clubs
The forward has been unsettled at Atletico, where fans showed their displeasure during a recent La Liga match against Villarreal by booing Alvarez. The player reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona, but Atletico's reluctance to sell to a domestic rival may open the door for Arsenal to step in.
Reports suggest Alvarez is warming up to the idea of joining Arsenal after initially leaning towards Camp Nou. Following a mixed season from £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Arteta’s side are exploring options to strengthen their attack.
Shearer Sees Alvarez as a Title-Winning Signing
"We’ve heard a lot of pushing from Barcelona and reluctance from Atletico," Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast. "It seems their thinking is, ‘If we have to sell, we’re not selling to you [Barca].’ There’s a small window there for Arsenal to nab him, you would think. If they do it, it’s done by the way [the Premier League title race]."
Striker's Background and Current Situation
Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid for £82 million from Manchester City and has scored 49 goals in 107 appearances over two seasons. Despite winning consecutive league titles in England, his opportunities were limited by Erling Haaland’s presence at Manchester City.
Micah Richards also encouraged Arsenal to test Atletico’s willingness to sell:
"I would actually go for a striker if I was Arsenal and we’ve all seen what’s happening with Alvarez at Atletico. He was booed by his own fans recently and there are reports he wants to join Barcelona. But will Atletico sell to Barca? Maybe Arsenal can sneak in with an offer. He’s clearly unhappy. If Arsenal had Alvarez, he would take them to the next level."
Arsenal’s Ambitions and Recent Form
After ending a long wait by winning the Premier League last season and reaching the Champions League final, Arsenal are eager to build on their success. They have started this campaign strongly, beating Coventry City 3-0 in their opening match.
Adding a proven winner like Alvarez could deepen their squad and intimidate rival clubs domestically. A move before the deadline would signal Arsenal’s intent to maintain their dominance.
Upcoming Fixtures
- LaLiga: Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid – 29 Aug 2026, 21:30
- Premier League: Aston Villa vs Arsenal – 31 Aug 2026, 21:00
