Arsenal find themselves in a historic position as the 2025-26 season hits its peak. Leading Manchester City by five points with just nine games to go, the Gunners are closing in on their first title in 22 years. Mikel Arteta has crafted something remarkable at the Emirates with a deep, technical squad that defends with grit and scores at will.
With £64 million signing Viktor Gyokeres settling in perfectly, the spine of this team looks unbreakable. The only question left is if they can cross the finish line. It’s in this pressure environment that the Julian Alvarez rumours have surfaced.
McCoist Backs Chelsea Over Arsenal, and He Has a Point
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, Ally McCoist raised an important point regarding where Alvarez should go if he exits Atletico Madrid. The Scot argued that Chelsea are a much better club for him than Arsenal, mainly because of the guaranteed minutes. McCoist highlighted Arsenal’s phenomenal depth, noting that between Kai Havertz’s role as a false nine and the presence of Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard, Alvarez would be walking into a crowded locker room. At Chelsea, a younger side still searching for their identity, he’d be the main man. Atletico have slapped a £129 million price tag on the 26-year-old Argentine, who boasts 13 goals in 49 international caps.
“Oh, without a doubt. I think he’s got a better chance of playing more regularly at Chelsea, to tell you the truth, than he would at Arsenal. The squad at Arsenal is phenomenal. They’re playing Kai Havertz, sometimes as a false nine, Gabriel Jesus is through the middle, and Leandro Trossard has played there.
“Alvarez is a real talent. As I say, it would surprise me to see him coming back. But in terms of where he went, I think he’d probably get more game time. And you know something? Chelsea might appeal to him because they are a young side with a lot of potential.
“If he came to Arsenal, they still haven’t got over the line at this moment in time. I think they will, and I think they will in a couple of years, but it’s a big six weeks coming up for Arsenal, there’s no doubt. “You look at the size of Arsenal’s squad, it’s absolutely massive. So, he’s probably got a better chance of getting more regular playing time with Chelsea.” (Via Mirror)
Does Alvarez Fit Arsenal’s Summer Plans?
Data from FootyStats shows Alvarez has eight goals in 29 La Liga matches this term, averaging 0.38 goals per 90 minutes. While he’s a technical wizard who excels at pressing and finding space, he isn’t without flaws. The Argentine offers little in the air, and his scoring output hasn’t exactly exploded in Spain.
Frankly, £129 million is a massive ask for those numbers. More importantly, Arsenal are five points clear at the top right now. With Gyokeres firing and Havertz contributing, adding Alvarez for a record fee wouldn’t fix a problem; it would create one. Arteta would face the exact headache McCoist mentioned, and that’s who do you bench to make room?
Arsenal injury update: Saka, Rice, Gabriel and Saliba latest news and return dates
Arsenal don’t need another expensive body in a crowded frontline; they need stability. With fewer elite options upfront, Chelsea is the logical destination. Arsenal should spend their money elsewhere, and honestly, that’s the right move.
