Arsenal handed fresh Julian Alvarez transfer verdict as Eberechi Eze sent bizarre message
Julian Alvarez ended up staying at Atletico Madrid this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit doubts his old side will be able to sign Julian Alvarez in January. The 1998 World Cup winner with France has also suggested that Eberechi Eze could player a key role for the Gunners - even if he does not play.
Former Manchester City striker Alvarez caught the eye of Mikel Arteta's side as they looked to strengthen their attack. The Argentine confirmed his wish to leave Diego Simeone's team, sparking interest from some of Europe's elite clubs in signing him.
La Liga champions Barcelona were Alvarez's preference and approached Atleti for his signature. However, the Spanish capital-based club refused to sell him to the Catalan giants.
And Petit has explained to Boyle Sports why the 26-year-old would have been perfect for Mikel Arteta's men. The former Gunners star also shares his belief that a January deal is unlikely.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
He said: "Julian Alvarez is the striker Arsenal need. Why? Because he knows the Premier League.
"He’s such a talented player. He has great movement, great technical skills, and he would perfectly fit the DNA of this Arsenal team in how he plays one-touch football. I really like everything about him as a player.
Arsenal failed with a summer transfer move for Julian Alvarez. (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
"But obviously he wants Barcelona, and if he didn’t leave Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window, do you really think he’s going to leave that club during the winter transfer window? I wouldn’t be so sure about that."
Petit has also had his say on Eze's role at the north London club this season. It comes amid his struggle for regular starts this season.
The 55-year-old said: "The next step for Arsenal is keeping the same standards, the same ambition, the same ego and humility and players like Eberechi Eze are important to Mikel Arteta for that.
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
"Rotation will be key to his season and we saw what happened last season with the depth of the squad and the options off the bench, and Eze is one of those options at the moment, but there are many, many games to play.
"The fact that Arsenal have so many players who can set these high standards at the start of the season can send a message to the rest of the dressing room. If you want to play, you have to be really good.
"If Eze wants to play, he has to win his place. If he can win his place, he will keep the standards high."
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
