Arsenal’s Search for a Striker: Alvarez’s Form Wanes at Atletico

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker this summer has become a focal point for the club as they aim to bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. The Gunners secured Viktor Gyokeres, but his performance has been disappointing, with only three non-penalty goals in the current season. Adding to the scrutiny is the recent dip in form of Julian Alvarez, who has found scoring increasingly difficult since Arsenal expressed interest in him.

In a recent report, David Ornstein confirmed that Arsenal had been keeping tabs on Alvarez following an impressive first season at Atletico Madrid. The club’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, was instrumental in bringing Alvarez to Atletico in 2024, where he made an immediate impact, netting 29 goals across all competitions in the 2024/25 season. However, this season has presented a stark contrast, as Alvarez has struggled to find the net, particularly after Arsenal’s interest became known.

Spanish agent and former player Peton weighed in on Alvarez’s situation during an appearance on Tiempo de Juego, stating, “He [Alvarez] has never played in his life like he did at Atletico de Madrid. Never, ever.” Peton attributed the striker’s recent struggles to personal issues rather than Atletico’s tactics or management. He highlighted the importance of Alvarez to the team, noting that “until Atletico de Madrid recovers, until they rescue Julian Alvarez, they have a fundamental problem, which is goals.”

This eight-game goal drought has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. The situation seems all too familiar for supporters of Arsenal, who have witnessed similar patterns with strikers linked to the club. Gyokeres, for instance, had a stellar previous season with 54 goals, yet he has also faced difficulties adjusting to the Premier League.

Despite the current challenges, Alvarez remains a sensible option for Arsenal. His past performances at Manchester City showcased his ability to thrive in the English football environment. While he may not have been a regular starter under manager Pep Guardiola, he consistently made an impact, finishing his debut season with 20 league goals and scoring approximately every 165 minutes.

As Arsenal continues to evaluate their striking options, the prospect of signing Alvarez could resurface. Though Berta may have cooled on the idea recently, Alvarez’s proven abilities at the highest level keep him in contention as a viable fit for Arteta’s side.

With the January transfer window approaching, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s next moves as they seek to strengthen their squad and reignite their attacking prowess.