Neville: a striker could decide Arsenal’s Champions League bid

Former England defender Gary Neville says Arsenal will need a ‘world‑class forward’ to clinch the Champions League, and points to Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid as the missing piece. He made the comment after Arsenal’s 3‑0 Premier League victory over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal got their new Premier League campaign off to a flying start on Friday night as goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sealed a 3‑0 win over Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. Summer signing Christos Tzolis impressed on the left flank, but Mikel Arteta remains keen to add more firepower before the transfer window closes.

Why Arsenal are eyeing Julian Alvarez

Julian Alvarez is one of Arteta’s top attacking targets, yet Atletico Madrid have been adamant that the Argentine will not be sold this summer. The Gunners view the Argentine striker as a world‑class forward who could lift their Champions League ambitions. Arsenal’s pursuit reflects a desire to complement their already strong defensive and midfield core.

“What a squad he [Arteta] has built here and if he adds another forward into that then I don’t see how anyone can stop them,” Neville told . He added that the addition could be the difference in Europe.

Julian Alvarez has said he wants to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. “We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona but if they could get Alvarez somehow Arsenal, I mean that is going to light this place up because you’ve then got a world‑class striker to go with all the world‑class defenders and midfield players,” Neville continued. The Barcelona link underscores the striker’s high profile.

What a Alvarez signing could mean

If Arsenal were to sign Alvarez, I actually think he [Odegaard] would go up a level as well, because it would be perfect for the style of play, Neville said, adding that the Argentine’s movement would benefit the midfield maestro. He also referenced Ian Wright, suggesting an “Ian Wright up front” would make the attack even more dangerous. Such a boost could turn Arsenal from Premier League title contenders into serious Champions League challengers.

For Arsenal, securing Alvarez would add the cutting edge needed to compete on both domestic and European fronts. For Atletico Madrid, retaining the Argentine means they keep a key asset despite external interest, and the summer window will close without a transfer.