Steven Gerrard is glad that Arsenal missed out on one summer signing

Arsenal missed out on a move for Julian Alvarez this summer after the World Cup winner made it clear that he did not want to join the Gunners and would only consider a move to Barcelona.

The Gunners waited until the final days of the transfer window in the hope that Alvarez would change his mind. They continued trying to convince the forward to return to the Premier League, but the Argentine remained firm on his desire to play for Barcelona.

Arsenal were encouraged to keep pursuing him after Atletico Madrid made it clear they would not sell Alvarez directly to Barcelona because of the Catalan club’s approach to signing him. That left the player with a difficult choice over his future.

Alvarez chose to remain at Atletico

Barcelona remain the club Alvarez wants to play for, but Atletico have no intention of selling him directly to them. Instead, they gave the forward two options: remain at the Madrid club or move to Arsenal.

Alvarez ultimately chose to stay with Atletico, meaning Arsenal failed to secure one of their most wanted targets. The forward could have added another dimension to the Gunners’ attack and potentially taken them to another level.

His decision to remain in Spain has also pleased at least one prominent Liverpool figure. Steven Gerrard was discussing the transfer saga when he explained why he understood Atletico’s position.

Gerrard happy with Arsenal outcome

Gerrard believes Atletico were right to avoid strengthening a domestic and European rival, while also admitting that he was pleased Alvarez did not end up at Arsenal. The Liverpool icon said via Football365:

“I understand his point of view, but Atletico Madrid don’t want to strengthen a rival and be a feeder club to the teams you can compete domestically with and in the Champions League, so you can understand it from a club point of view as well.

“I’m just glad he didn’t go to Arsenal, I’ll just leave that one there!”

Gerrard’s comments underline the significance of Arsenal’s failed pursuit. Alvarez remains one of the most wanted forwards in football, and his arrival at the Emirates could have strengthened an already competitive squad.

For now, Arsenal must move forward without him, while Alvarez remains at Atletico and continues to wait for the possibility of eventually joining Barcelona.