Merson Makes Case for Alvarez as Arsenal Eye Summer Reinforcements

Arsenal's newly-minted Premier League champions may already be plotting their next moves in the transfer market, with Paul Merson making a compelling case for a significant summer acquisition.

The Gunners secured the domestic crown last week and capped off their campaign with victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. With a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain looming on Saturday, Arsenal could yet add another trophy to their collection this season.

Merson, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, has identified Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez as an ideal target. The Argentine, carrying a £130m price tag, could shoulder some of the scoring responsibility alongside Viktor Gyokeres and allow Arsenal to manage their attacking workload more effectively.

"I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez," Merson explained. "I'm a big fan. If they could get him I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well."

His assessment has found support elsewhere. Gary Neville has similarly suggested Arsenal should bolster their forward line, while also questioning whether midfield reinforcements might be necessary. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville acknowledged that recruitment will be essential but urged patience given the current circumstances.

"Arsenal will need to add again in the transfer market but at this point right now when they've won the title and got a Champions League final I don't want to focus on that," Neville said. "Let's be clear, they have to be. But I can't give that too much consideration given we've got a Champions League final and a World Cup coming up."

Neville did flag potential areas for strengthening, asking whether Arsenal require another striker as backup to Gyokeres, and whether additional central midfield cover might be prudent given the current options available.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has been reflecting on his remarkable journey with the club. The Brazilian arrived seven years ago—before Mikel Arteta's appointment—and has now achieved his long-held ambition of winning the Premier League.

"I got here seven years ago and winning this title today is something that I've been dreaming of," Martinelli said following the title clincher. "It's a pleasure for me to play for Arsenal and winning this title is something that means a lot to everyone and for me, it's even more."

The winger emphasised the collective nature of Arsenal's achievement, highlighting the contribution of players, staff, academy personnel, and supporters alike in reaching this milestone.