Julian Alvarez deal, Rodrygo signs – Arsenal can build dream frontline with £177m transfer spree

Mikel Arteta could build one of the strongest frontlines in the Premier League – and possibly in Europe – if Arsenal can sign Julian Alvarez and Rodrygo. The Gunners have enjoyed a busy start to the summer transfer window, and they've shown no sign of slowing down.

Andrea Berta has managed to tie a couple of key players down to new long-term contracts, while offloading some deadwood. The new Arsenal sporting director appears to have also lined up a few exciting arrivals, with Martin Zubimendi set to bolster the midfield.

Once the north Londoners secure the signatures of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga too, Josh Kroenke should let Berta off his lead and crack open the war chest. Last month, Arteta asked the Italian to 'add goals and creativity' to his squad.

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Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have both emerged as targets, but Arsenal should turn their attention to the Spanish top-flight. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at how the Gunners could set up next season.

Saka keeps his place on the right

Bukayo Saka keeps his place in the starting line-up. The 23-year-old winger did a lot of heavy lifting before he suffered a hamstring injury in December.

In the three months or so that he was out of action, Arsenal looked short of ideas in the final third. After a couple of marquee additions to the frontline, there wouldn't be as much pressure on Saka to find the net.

Alvarez leads the Arsenal frontline

Alvarez would be an excellent addition to the Arsenal attack. Despite having only joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City in a deal worth £82m last year, the 25-year-old appears to have emerged as a potential target for the Gunners.

According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel on the Latte Firm podcast, Arsenal have weighed up a move for Alvarez. It's said that the north Londoners tried to work out whether or not they could afford the Argentina international, who Marca reckon has a €500m (£427m) release clause.

Of course, no club would pay such a fee. That's the point. But, if Berta could negotiate a reasonable fee for Alvarez then Arsenal would likely become favourites to win the Premier League.

transfermarkt currently values Alvarez at £100m, a steep price for Arsenal but the former Man City star would arrive with plenty of Premier League experience.

Arsenal finally wrap up Rodrygo deal

Rodrygo would be the cherry on top of an already great frontline at the Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal for much of the summer as he seeks assurances from Xabi Alonso about game time before committing his future to Real Madrid.

He faced an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu until the former Liverpool midfielder replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Upon Alonso's unveiling as the new Los Blancos manager, he ruled out Rodrygo's departure.

The Spaniard claimed that the Brazil international is in his plans, but, since touching down in the United States, he hasn't played as much as he would've liked. So, when Rodrygo was dropped from the starting lineup in Real Madrid's second game of the Club World Cup, questions were asked.

Speaking to reporters following Los Blancos' clash against Pachuca last weekend, Alonso doubled down and insisted that Rodrygo 'remains important' to his project. The £77m-rated Arsenal target remained on the bench for Real Madrid's third and final group stage game on Friday, and he was given no more than half an hour to impress.

football.london understands that the Gunners are interested in Rodrygo, but any move for the winger will be complicated. Fortunately, Arteta can guarantee the Brazilian a place on the left, his favoured position...