Alvarez swap deal?
Main reasons why Arsenal must consider Viktor Gyökeres sale amid Atlético Madrid interest
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Viktor Gyökeres has firmly split opinion amongst Arsenal fans since his arrival but one thing remains unquestionable – the Gunners must cash in, if a significant offer arrives this summer. It would be unfair, and simply wrong, to label the Swedish international a failed signing as he ultimately contributed significantly to Arsenal winning their first title in 22 years. The euphoric celebration that engulfed North London after they were crowned champions shouldn’t be allowed to descend into delirium and a calculated decision must be made around Gyökeres this summer. Arsenal supporters’ perceptions of the 28-year-old are undoubtedly still clouded by the title success and everything being rosy, but the reality is quite different.
Market Value
V. Gyökeres
Centre-Forward
€65.00m
While Gyökeres’ work-ethic can never be questioned, there were times last season when he was extremely cumbersome and he drew significant criticism from his own supporters. That said, Gyökeres’ goal return of 21 in 55 games is a decent return but that must be offset by his inability to deliver against elite opposition. It’s also extremely telling that Mikel Arteta preferred Kai Havertz in their biggest game of the season against PSG in the Champions League final. Havertz and Gyökeres are almost polar opposites in terms of profiles and both could be rotated effectively to capitalise on their skillsets against different opponents. Ultimately, there should be no romanticism at board level of leading football clubs and it would be preposterous for Arsenal to rule out selling Gyökeres this summer, amid interest from Atlético Madrid.
Why Arsenal must consider Victor Gyökeres sale this summer
It’s understood that Atletico hold a genuine interest in Gyökeres and he’d be the perfect striker for Diego Simeone’s tactical approach. Several reports have claimed that Atlético are interested in a swap deal involving Gyökeres and Julián Alvarez with Arsenal also paying a significant sum. Arsenal hold a long-standing interest in Alvarez but it’s widely accepted that his preference is to join Barcelona with the Catalan clubs already having an opening bid rejected this summer. A war of words has erupted between the two clubs and Atlético’s preference would be selling Alvarez abroad but it has all the hallmarks of a transfer saga.
Whether Alvarez is a substantial upgrade on Gyökeres is a legitimate debate. As is whether he’d be worth the additional €50/€60million in conjunction with the swap deal. The Argentinian international never truly lit up the Premier League during his two years at Manchester City and his scoring record in LaLiga last season was abysmal with just eight goals in 29 appearances. Alvarez did excel in the Champions League with 10 goals and he turned it on in the biggest games with seven goal contributions in the knockout stages. While Gyökeres’ league goals against lesser opposition were invaluable in Arsenal’s title success, he often posted missing in the big games and his record is evidence of that. Gyökeres provided one goal contribution in the knockout stages of the Champions League in a relatively easy run of games and didn’t score a single league goal against the top five in the Premier League last season.
So, Arsenal have a decision to make this summer, if Atlético firm up their interest. That could be part of a deal for Alvarez, or a separate deal if the Argentine joins Barcelona or PSG. Gyökeres’ is currently adored by the Arsenal fanbase with memories of the title success still strong but fans are extremely fickle and that will change if he remains unconvincing and more silverware alludes to them.
Julian Alvarez
Barcelona interest
Andrea Berta is a shrewd operator and Arsenal’s record of selling players this century is utterly abysmal with their record sale still Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s €38m move to Liverpool in 2017. Across the last five seasons, Arsenal rank 64th for player sales and although they are in a great financial position, they must still aim to improve this woeful record.
That’s arguably the biggest reason why they must consider any significant bids for Gyökeres, especially as he will turn 29 next season. If they receive a bid close to his market value of €65m then they’d essentially recoup the €66.9m fee they paid for him last summer – he’d also represent profit in terms of book value. Arsenal’s priority in the transfer window is to improve their attacking options as they lack a true world-class star, who can make the impact in the biggest games. Gyökeres can be extremely effective against lesser opposition but is that sustainable long-term?
Market Value
J. Kroupi
Centre-Forward
€70.00m
And Arsenal can surely upgrade in this area. While Alvarez might not be the answer, there are alternatives available. Junior Kroupi has the potential to develop into a world-class number nine and money from a Gyökeres sale could go towards signing the Bournemouth star. While Gyökeres has never been more popular in North London, Arsenal must be ruthless if the opportunity arrives to cash in this summer.
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