Is Julian Alvarez the man to end Arsenal's European dream?

Arsenal go into tonight's huge Champions League semi-final looking to make it to the competition's showpiece for the first time since 2006 and dreaming of lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.

Over the last few weeks, they've had to deal with several obstacles blocking their path to that elusive piece of silverware in five years, and on Wednesday night, they face another in the shape of Atletico Madrid and, in particular, their star striker. 

Julian Alvarez is a name that often comes with the persona of 'quietly going about his business' - but the Atletico man is ready to bring the noise in Madrid and end the Gunners' European hopes for another season.

Out on his own

When we say he goes quietly about his business, this isn't a disservice to Alvarez; in fact, it's the complete opposite. Because the Argentine has made a career of showing up, making an impact and winning trophies. 

A quick look at his CV shows two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the Champions League and a plethora of trophies whilst he was at River Plate, while internationally he can boast of being one of the few to have a World Cup-winning medal and two Copa América gongs. 

Perhaps somewhat underappreciated during his time at City, where he was overshadowed by the arrival of Erling Haaland and his ridiculous tally of goals, Alvarez still managed 36 goals in two seasons in Manchester and was a crucial part of their treble-winning success along with the Club World Cup win that same year, where he was man of the match. 

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Yet, he appeared he'd never be the man at The Etihad, and wouldn't be allowed to be the face of that attack, so he made the switch to Madrid in 2024, where he's more than proved a point.

Madrid's man 

In his first season, he hit a career-high of 29 goals for Atletico, and became an instant hit at a club renowned for being home to world-class hitmen. 

Following in the footsteps of Griezmann, Falcao, Costa, Torres and Suarez, to name a few, Alavrez is more than holding his own against that set of club legends. 

The goals have continued to flow this season, too, with him up to 19 for the season, nine of which have come in the Champions League. 

It is that kind of form that has seen him linked with a move back to the Premier League, and ironically, Arsenal are one of the clubs set to be interested in bringing the 26-year-old back to England.

"Álvarez will be a great fit because he can play that Kai Havertz role, but can also play as a nine," former Gunners forward Jeremie Aliadiere has said of Álvarez whilst speaking to DAZN News, thanks to Aceodds.com

"He would go and press with Martin Ødegaard next to him. I want to see great players at the club, and he’s a top player and proven when he won the World Cup." 

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Foe first 

Before any talk of summer moves can happen, Alvarez's first mission is to continue his excellent form and pile yet more misery on an Arsenal team, wobbling at the wrong time of the season. 

The Argentine will form an attack alongside Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman, and provide both the clever link-up play we've seen previously from the forward, but also that goal threat that he's honed since moving to the Spanish capital. 

He's also a dab hand at free-kicks, too. Which, given the expected caginess of tonight's game, could be an ideal way for Atletico to get a foothold in the game. 

Alvarez is a player who, throughout his career, has adapted quickly and effectively, and since moving into the limelight in Spain, is now being talked about in the same elite circles his talent deserves. 

Maybe all that's missing is a big win, a big scalp and a matching-winning performance on the biggest stage, with this semi-final the perfect place to add that to his impressive list of achievements.

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