Neville tells Arsenal why they need Alvarez as he questions if ‘someone’s going to leave’

Gary Neville has spoken on transfers at Arsenal, both complete and linked, with the ramifications of signings of Ezri Konsa and Julian Alvarez explained.

The Gunners got their Premier League title defence off to a good start when they beat Coventry 3-0 on the first day of the season. Goals scored by Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard polished off the game.

Arsenal captain Odegaard was named man of the match, and speaking on Sky Sports, Neville detailed how the signing of Alvarez – who’s been linked throughout the summer – could elevate the midfielder’s game.

He said: “He’s exceptional on the ball, his understanding of the game is fantastic. I actually think, and I’m being respectful here to Havertz and [Viktor] Gyokeres, but if there, say, was an Ian Wright up front for Arsenal, who made those little runs all the time, I think he would be even better.

“I think because Gyokeres always comes to the play and so does Havertz, he’s almost always playing possession in the final third rather than playing those slip through passes, which I think could be so dangerous.

“I actually think if Arsenal were to get an Alvarez, he would go up a level himself, because I think that would be perfect for the style of play.”

Neville also spoke on the confirmed capture of centre-back Konsa from Aston Villa, with the England international joining a corps of very good, versatile defenders.

Neville said: “I can see why they have signed Konsa from a quality perspective, but when you’ve got Ben White, who plays right back and right centre-back, you’ve got Jurrien Timber, who does the same, and you’ve got Cristhian Mosquera.

“I just wonder why they needed another one of those. I wonder whether someone’s going to leave.”

Alvarez won’t join Arsenal

But the chances of Alvarez heading to Arsenal are very remote, with Barcelona the only club the Argentine wants to join – though that move won’t happen – and a recent meeting confirming to the Gunners that there’s no chance.

Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: ‘Arsenal made contact with Atlético Madrid to discuss Julián Álvarez deal conditions.

‘Direct meeting took place in London with Atléti director Mateu Alemany.

‘Price currently too high + Julián never opened doors to England so far as wanted to join Barça… but #AFC tried.’

READ MORE: Atletico chief insults Alvarez advisors as London meeting with Arsenal revealed by top insider