Arteta brings gold to Arsenal’s ‘superstar’

Arsenal are the best team in the land.

Mikel Arteta has worked tirelessly as an underdog throughout the latter half of the ‘City Pool’ era, with the Gunners yet to win the Premier League title despite finishing runners-up for three consecutive years, but that looks set to change.

This year is definitely their year. Manchester City and Aston Villa are currently struggling to maintain consistency, with Arsenal leading the table with six points, 23 games apart. That aside, the Emirates Stadium side look like the strongest team in the division, the most consistent, organized and the most steely at the back.

N5 doesn’t have many weaknesses, but it’s pretty easy to pinpoint the areas that need the most attention, with Víctor Gyoqueres’ struggles in No. 9 leading to renewed interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.

Julian Alvarez’s Arsenal updates

Alvarez is one of the best strikers in the world. He helped Josep Guardiola’s Manchester City win four titles, but his £81m move to Spain cemented the Argentine international as a sensation.

In fact, he has scored 40 goals and provided 13 assists since joining Diego Simeone’s side a year and a half ago, with journalist Ouraku Ampofo praising his “world-class” finishing and athleticism.

No wonder Arteta and Arsenal’s technical director Andrea Berta have a vested interest.

It was reported over the last week that the Londoners are preparing to sign the goalscorer for an estimated £80m, and by the time word gets out, he could be named in the summer slot.

Arsenal’s front line is their weakest third. They will likely be looking for a left-sided winger in the not-too-distant future.

But Alvarez is unlikely to arrive and pick up the baton as Arsenal’s star up front, unless certain players are plucked into trade under Arteta.

Arsenal star worth more than Alvarez

Arsenal are riding the crest of a wave this season. They are talented and are the product of Arteta’s tactics and vision, executed through a long process.

Of course, it also helped that Bukayo Saka’s academy background is synonymous with the London club’s wider rise.

The 23-year-old is already one of the team’s leaders, having scored 77 goals and provided 78 assists since leaving Hale End, and is six games away from making 300 appearances.

There is no doubt that Saka has not been at his best this season. His output and sharpness in the final third was not his typical strength.

However, he remains one of the best players in Europe and the poster boy for a project that looks to be on its way to silverware. Hailed as a ‘superstar’ by pundit Tim Sherwood, Saka creates 2.1 chances and wins 5.7 duels per game and is influential on the right flank.

He is unique, and in this respect Saka is irreplaceable, someone who, while benefiting from the addition of an astute forward like Álvarez, takes pride in being a key player.

In fact, his market value reflects this. According to Transfermarkt, he is valued at £113m, slightly more than the figure needed to sign Alvarez.

That the Three Lions man remains a key member of a side that is inexorably on its way to the Premier League title despite a period of decline is simply a testament to his elite status, and there is no doubt that he is not only a talisman for the club, but one of the great forwards of his generation.