Liverpool's Julian Alvarez deal confirms Arsenal's place in the pecking order

It’s no secret that Liverpool like Julian Alvarez. The Argentina World Cup winner was first on the club’s radar as a young player back at River Plate.

Of course the striker’s move into European football was NOT with the Reds - he ended up at Manchester City back in 2022.

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Alvarez, 25, has already won all there is to win in the game and completed a surprise move to Atletico Madrid in summer 2024.

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That deal was reported to be worth a total of €95m - a huge sum but one worth paying for a priority striking target.

City wouldn't sell to rivals Liverpool

Anfield Watch brought you news that the Reds were VERY keen on adding Alvarez to the squad. However the proposed deal fell apart.

And now some more detail has been added to the failed deal by the Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe. He suggests that Diaz was keen on the move to the Etihad and the idea of an exchange was floated.

“Liverpool realised Luis Díaz wanted to go to Manchester City,” the report reads.

“The recruitment team proposed Díaz might move to the Etihad in exchange for Julián Alvarez. “We don’t sell to rivals,” City responded, killing the idea. “Neither do we then,” was Liverpool’s pithy response.

“City sold Alvarez to Atlético Madrid instead, Díaz stayed put and put his disappointment behind him, and Liverpool’s incomings amounted to just £10m for Federico Chiesa.”

Arsenal are NOT City and Liverpool rivals

So City were not prepared to strengthen Liverpool by the addition of Alvarez - who scored 29 goals in his first season under Diego Simeone at Atletico.

They were wary of making a rival team even stronger - understandable considering Liverpool ended up winning the Premier League title.

But what this failed move DOES reveal is where Arsenal - and Chelsea for that matter - are seen in the pecking order. Because when it comes to the Gunners, City seem to have no problem selling them players.

Liverpool top dogs in Premier League

In recent seasons Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been recruited by the Gunners and Pep Guardiola has cheerfully waved them out of the exit.

Similarly, the likes of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling have made big-money moves to Stamford Bridge - with City clearly not bothered about the Blues either.

So it goes to show where Liverpool - and indeed Arsenal - sit in City’s esteem.

Liverpool are the country’s No1 team and City are well aware of this fact. They won’t make them any stronger if they can help it. Arsenal? Well have any player you like - because you’re not a threat.

The failed Alvarez - Diaz deal is actually the biggest compliment Liverpool could get from City - and another reminder of Arsenal’s place as also-rans.

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