Former Spurs star says Arsenal signing Julian Alvarez would ‘be the end of the game’

Julian Alvarez is unhappy at Atletico Madrid, according to former England striker Gary Lineker, who believes the Argentina star would be a perfect fit at Arsenal.

Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City for £81million in 2024, after helping Pep Guardiola’s side win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble 12 months earlier.

The 25-year-old, who also played a major role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, has thrived in Spain, scoring 40 goals in 86 games for Atletico and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe.

But Lineker, who played for Barcelona in the 1980s before forging a successful career in broadcasting, claims Alvarez is not satisfied at the Metropolitano.

He told the Rest is Football podcast: “I know that Julián Álvarez is not completely happy with life at Atlético Madrid. Álvarez is the type of player who you know can handle the great occasion: he is a world champion.”

Gyokeres has not solved Arsenal’s striker issue

Arsenal have a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League but their challenge is being hampered by the lack of a quality centre forward.

Viktor Gyokeres was supposed to be that man following his move from Sporting CP but the Swede has managed just four league goals this season.

And Lineker says Alvarez could take the Gunners to new levels.

“Someone like that at Arsenal would be the end of the game,” he added.