Arsenal encouraged to sign World Cup star unhappy at current club

Former England striker and pundit Gary Lineker has advised Arsenal to make a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

The Gunners have faced problems in front of goal this season, despite adding Viktor Gyökeres in the summer.

Even with Gabriel Jesus now back to full fitness, Arsenal have still found it hard to score with regular ease.

Because of this issue, Arsenal have been linked with Alvarez ahead of the summer transfer window.

Lineker has now given his full backing to that possible move, believing the Argentine would suit Arsenal well.

Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, the former England captain explained why the club still need more goals.

He said: “They’ve not got anyone really banging in the goals on a regular basis.”

Lineker pointed out that Jesus has improved since returning, but stressed why a new striker was needed earlier.

“Gabriel Jesus has come back and scored one or two but there was a reason they needed to sign a new No. 9 in the first place.

“I like Jesus and always have, he’s got a great work ethic, he chases and harries and does get a few goals. He’s a bit streaky – when he’s on, he’s on, but when he’s off, he’s a bit of a confidence player.”

Arsenal’s attacking struggles have kept the focus on their forward line throughout the season. Despite sitting top of the league, questions remain about who can deliver goals week after week.

Lineker backs Alvarez link to Arsenal

The former Match of the Day host then turned his attention to the reported links with Alvarez. He admitted that transfer stories online are often unreliable, but still spoke highly of the striker.

He said on the speculation: “It’s probably complete b*** as most of these things are on social media but I saw they were linked with Julian Alvarez who I know is not entirely happy with life at Atletico.”

Lineker stressed that Alvarez has already shown he can perform under huge pressure.

He further said: “Now that is the sort of player you know can handle the big occasion – he’s a World Cup winner for crying out loud. Someone like that at Arsenal would be game over. But they do need one or two of these current forwards to start scoring on a reasonably regular basis.”

For now, Arsenal will hope their existing squad can deliver what is needed. They currently sit top of the league, four points clear of Manchester City, as the title race continues.

The post Arsenal encouraged to sign World Cup star unhappy at current club first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.