Steven Gerrard pleased Arsenal missed out on Julian Alvarez transfer

Steven Gerrard says he is pleased Julian Alvarez did not join Arsenal during the summer transfer window, despite understanding why the Atletico Madrid striker wanted to leave the club.

Arsenal, who won the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 last season, strengthened their squad by signing Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis.

However, their attempts to complete a major attacking signing were unsuccessful. Arsenal explored a deal for Vinicius Junior, but the Brazil forward rejected their interest and instead signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

Morgan Rogers also chose to move to Chelsea rather than join the Premier League champions, while Arsenal were interested in Atletico Madrid forward Alvarez.

Alvarez had publicly expressed a desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer. But although Atletico made it clear they would not agree to sell him to Barcelona, the Argentina international did not appear enthusiastic about moving to Arsenal either.

That outcome was welcomed by Gerrard, the former Liverpool captain, who discussed the situation on TNT Sports.

“I understand his point of view, but Atletico Madrid do not want to strengthen a rival and become a club that feeds the teams they can compete with domestically and in the Champions League,” Gerrard said.

“So you can understand it from the club’s point of view as well.

“I’m just happy he didn’t go to Arsenal. I’ll leave it at that,” he added, as reported by the Metro.

Gerrard backs Alvarez to win back Atletico supporters

Alvarez failed to score at Anfield as Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Liverpool, but Gerrard believes the striker can quickly restore his relationship with Atletico’s supporters.

“I think he has the manager’s trust and support, and clearly scoring a goal and putting in a good performance can change a lot of things,” Gerrard said.

“However, it will remain in his mind that the chance to fulfil his dream has gone, perhaps forever.”

Gerrard nevertheless praised Alvarez’s qualities and said the player’s continued interest from clubs around the world was unsurprising.

“But he is a top-class player, very exciting and extremely intelligent,” he said. “It is no surprise he is wanted all over the world.

“He is a goalscorer and a creator. I love watching him.”