Arsenal need only one player - Gary Neville urges Arteta to complete his team puzzle with Alvarez

Alvarez has reportedly been on the Gunners' radar throughout the transfer window, with Arteta looking to bolster his attack.

However, interest from other top clubs has complicated a deal, with Barcelona said to be the player's preferred destination.

Despite the Gunners' convincing 3-0 opening day victory against Coventry City, the former Manchester United captain felt the team still lacked a crucial element.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville argued that Alvarez could be the key to Arsenal achieving European glory after their Champions League final defeat last season. 

“We think that Alvarez wants to go to Barcelona, but if Arsenal could get Alvarez somehow, that is going to light this place up,” Neville stated. 

“Then you have a world-class striker to go with all the other world-class defenders and midfield players.”

He added that such a signing would transform Arsenal from Premier League contenders into a team capable of winning the Champions League. 

“He does need that little bit of magic up front so that when you don’t play well, they’ll go and win a big game for you. Has he got enough of that? I’m not sure.”

Neville’s analysis went beyond Alvarez's goal-scoring prowess, highlighting the potential impact on his teammates, particularly captain Martin Odegaard. 

According to Neville, a striker with Alvarez's movement could unlock another level in Odegaard's game.

“I think that, and I’m being respectful to Havertz and Gyokeres, but if there was an Ian Wright up front for Arsenal who made those little runs all the time, he (Odegaard) would be even better,” Neville explained. 

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

With only a few days remaining in the transfer window, Arsenal face a race against time to make a decisive move for the World Cup winner and convince him to choose North London over a potential switch to Barcelona.