Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Signing Ricky Alvarez

Arsene Wenger has been quoted as saying that he will be travelling to South America for the summer and that he will likely watch some players while he is there. Arsenal were linked with the signing of Ricky Alvarez a few weeks back and it was reported on some websites that he was available on a free transfer. However, it has since emerged that he still has a contract with Velez and the club are demanding a sizeable fee for the signing of the midfielder.

In the past, Arsenal have actively scouted players from around the world, and a number of talented players have been signed at cheap prices by way of this practice. Arsene Wenger has helped develop many youngsters into quality players, and although not many South American players have played for the club, it is of little surprise that the Gunners have been scouting players in the continent.

Though the leagues in Brazil and Argentina are not closely followed internationally, a number of world-class players, including the likes of Ricardo Kaka, Angel di Maria and Robinho, have played in their native leagues before succeeding in Europe. Some South American footballers are technically gifted and possess a lot of flair in their style of play. Arsenal’s neat passing game would suit these players better than most other teams in the EPL, and the Gunners should target players who can make a difference to the side.

Arsenal have been linked with a number of wingers, including the likes of Gervinho and Eden Hazard, in the last few weeks. If Samir Nasri signs a new contract and Cesc Fabregas stays with the club for the next season, then Nasri and Theo Walcott—who had a good 2011-12 season—are the most probable players to start on the flanks. With Arshavin likely to stay at the club after his recent comments, there is decent depth in this department.

hough Arshavin is one of the most creative players at the club as his statistics prove, he is no longer the world-class player he was when he signed with the club in 2009. He has been benched a number of times this season but retains the ability to create and score goals when he is on the pitch. However, it is important to have a quality wide player who can take over for the Russian captain in the next season.

Though one cannot depend entirely on YouTube videos to judge a player, not many would have seen his games for Velez in Argentina. It is important that Wenger signs a young wide player this summer who can bring in quality and also be an integral player of the first team in the future.

Advantages

The youngster has been impressive for Velez this season and has been important to the club in recent years. Alvarez has excellent technique and good crossing ability. He can play as a left winger or as an attacking midfielder. He is 6’ 2” and looks strong enough to cope with the physicality of the Premiership.

Though Alvarez has not been prolific for Velez, he has an excellent shooting range, and some of his goals have been absolute screamers. He looks to be comfortable on the ball with either foot, though he is stronger with his left foot—an advantage, considering that Arsenal do not have a left-footed winger on their squad.

If a player of the quality of Eden Hazard is available at a price that is affordable for the Gunners, then Arsene Wenger is likely to sign the Belgian winger. However, it is unlikely that French champions Lille will sell their star winger for a cheap price. Furthermore, the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid will inflate player prices on the market. Although the signing  of a winger like Stewart Downing provides a relatively safe option, Ricky Alvarez has shown a lot of flair and could turn out to be an excellent player for the Gunners should he adjust well in the Premiership.

Disadvantages

The obvious disadvantage to signing a player like Alvarez is his price tag, which has been set quite high by Velez. It would be a huge gamble for Wenger to pay around £10 million to sign the tricky winger. Also, the manager and the player would come under scrutiny if Alvarez would sign with Arsenal and have an indifferent start to his season—which is possible, considering that he has never played in Europe.

He suffered a cruciate ligament injury which kept him out for quite some time in 2008, and though he has recovered completely, there is a chance that he could sustain further injuries due to the physicality of the Premiership. Also, Alvarez might be frustrated by the lack of opportunities at the club in his first year because he will be behind the likes of Arshavin, Nasri and Walcott, and could get his opportunities only in the cups.

If Alvarez is signed by the Gunners, it would almost certainly mean the end of Vela's Arsenal career. Carlos Vela is one of the players who has huge potential but has failed to perform consistently when provided the opportunity. He had a great chance to go to Bolton on loan, and under Owen Coyle, it is fair to say that he would have received more opportunities than he did at West Bromwich Albion.

If Carlos Vela decides to leave the club without realising his full potential, it could mean that Wenger could opt to sign Ricky Alvarez with the proceeds obtained from his transfer. Though Alvarez could turn out to be an intelligent signing, there is every chance that he could turn out to be like Bebe, who is still very raw even though Manchester United paid a sizeable fee for the winger. Nonetheless, Ricky Alvarez seems to be a more complete player; a gamble which could pay large dividends for Arsene Wenger.

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