Velez Sarsfield have confirmed that Arsenal have made contact about the possible signing of left-winger Ricky Alvarez. However, while the Gunners are thought to have been long-term frontrunners in the race to sign the 22-year-old reports in Argentina now claim the player’s head may have been turned by interest from Inter Milan.
“Ricky Alvarez could be in England or Italy, because we are negotiating with several clubs in those countries,” Velez chief Fernando Raffaini stated.
“Until it is signed, nothing is confirmed, but many clubs are interested: Inter, Roma and Arsenal, for example.”
Inter’s desire to sign Alvarez has been heavily touted in the Argentine press with website Ole claiming that the player has been contacted regularly by veteran San Siro defender Javier Zanetti in a bid to persuade him to make the move to Milan.
Palermo were also thought to be tracking the attacking midfielder although club president Maurizio Zamparini has given up on the chase accepting that Serie A rivals Inter are now the most likely destination for Alvarez.
“We were close to signing [Ricky] Alvarez for half the price they will now pay for him but my colleagues took it easy and no agreement was reached,” Zamparini confirmed to Sky Italia.
“Where he will go? He was going to sign for Arsenal but Inter Milan made a move and that is where I believe he will go.”
Meh!
I’d rather we signed players who are desperate to play for Arsenal.
I’d rather sign players who aren’t judged solely on potential. They don’t have to be over 30 or anything, heaven forbid that, but I’d like to see Arsenal step out of the norm and buy some quality players with experience in Europe.
Can arsenal close a deal?
No..Wenger will make sure of that.
Seems they can’t even close Alex Chamberpot.
However if the above is true I would be quite glad to see Alvarez not play in Red & White from what I have read.
Maybe Wenger/Gazidis need to watch Glengarry Glen Ross and start again.
What else is new..?Slowpoke Wenger keeps sitting on his hands arguing about nickels and dimes until someone else comes and grabs them….Same old same old story.
WENGER OUT NOW!!
Not too fussed about missing out on him. But Wenger needs to sign some big names soon otherwise all the fans will turn on him I fear.
Agreed, increase your wages ffs Wenger.
Surely AW should present Gazidis with a list of players he wants with a guide price of what they are worth, it should then be up to IG to negotiate the deal. If we can afford to spend a couple of million more than a player is worth but the team will improve then do it.
We are in this vicious circle where we are always two years away from success, then in two years once the younger players have improved the better ones leave and we start again.
I’m surprised by all the interest in him his 22 hasn’t played that much had injuries. If he was that good I’d have thought he would have been already playing in Spain or else were. Having said that I haven’t seen him play.
If Wenger doesn’t sign AT LEAST one world class player, there will be a lot of empty seats around the Emirates.
“Something is rotting at the Arsenal”…and the smell comes from Wengers office.
Arsenal newsnow is a depressing read right now. Please AW give us someone (that I might have heard of)
@Bazooka …you sure your not e Man Utd Fan? ….. All this anti Wenger stance is making me wonder. Have you not seen what he has done for the club?…agreed things need to change in terms of signings but getting rid of the manager is not the answer….
Doesn’t have to be, does he? I’m not anti-wenger, but I am more than frustrated than normal (probably becasue I shelled out on a season ticket this year). Firstly we are losing our best (including Clichy imo), and seem to be no closer to selling any of our dross. The transfer window is a good chance to let the fans know that he is not stuck in a rut, it’s far from over, I for one am Happy to wait and see, but I have the feeling we will start the season with Eboue, Diaby, Denislon Bendtner & Squilacci all… Read more »
meh indeed..
Alvarez isnt an established or proven player…and at 24 with a history of injury problems id say we might just be dodging a bullet…
Instead of forking out 12mil on him they should pay the extra few mil required to bring a top quality player or even use it for nasris wages..
That’s what she said ;D
Arsenal. The team that sits on their hands, on and off the pitch.
and slowly pops a finger up their arse
I’d be alright with signing this guy. He seems a decent talent, has good ball control, is pretty strong, and he’d add some height to our midfield. As long as he understands that the season is long, and he’d likely be a squad player for us (or any CL team in Europe who signed him). The only thing I don’t know about Alvarez is his tackling ability. All the video I’ve been able to find on him are attacking displays. On the plus side, he’s not playing in the Copa America, so that could keep the price down for us.… Read more »
Efficient Club Management: A boaard/manager that throws money around, makes quick and loud transfers signings and trump throphies regularly . .but deep in debt Effective Club Management: A board/manager that spends wisely (right amount – big or small- at the right time), patiently stick to the plan in silence and end up with an execution that brings in reasonable profit, and world-wide fan base . . .but no trophies at regular intervals. Incompetent Club Managemnt: . . . .those who try to be both of the above, end up being neither, but marvel at escaping the downside i.e marvel at… Read more »
oh bugger
i can’t understand why Mr Wenger could not make a bid for new signings? His targets could turn to othert club. is he looking for better quality player or player at lower price? Pls let arsene know if there is any player on free transfer or cheap sale! Arsene not showing any ambitius to win titles. He becomes a good businessman & not a good manager. Hope arsenal can compete for the third or fourth spot next season.