Alan Shearer believes Julián Álvarez could have taken Arsenal closer to Champions League success, while he expects the club to retain the Premier League title. His view rests on the demands of each competition.
Álvarez’s proposed move depended on the player’s willingness to join as well as Atlético Madrid’s valuation. Arsenal wanted his full commitment before proceeding, but he preferred a move elsewhere. The club ended the window without him.
Morgan Rogers offered another route after Arsenal pursued him at Aston Villa. Chelsea agreed a £117 million deal for the England international, who later scored against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard then overturned the early deficit to win 2-1.
Havertz has given Mikel Arteta a different option through the middle. His movement between midfield and the front line creates space for teammates, while his finishing gives Arsenal a central goal threat. His early-season goals have added to his importance.
Guimarães has changed the midfield competition. His arrival gives Arteta another option alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, while Ezri Konsa and Piero Hincapié add defensive cover. Christos Tzolis provides another choice on the left and Illan Meslier offers competition in goal.
Arsenal won their first three league matches, including the comeback against Chelsea. The champions collected nine points before starting their European campaign. Those results gave Arteta a strong start to the title defence.
The European schedule brings a heavier workload. Arsenal reached the 2026 Champions League final before losing to Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta must now manage midweek European matches alongside the domestic calendar.
Saka carries a major role in that schedule. He supplies goals, assists and progression from the right, giving Arsenal a consistent threat in the final third. His availability will remain important as the fixture list intensifies.
Álvarez could have reduced that reliance through his ability to play centrally or from the left. His versatility would have allowed Arteta to rotate his forwards without changing the team’s structure. Instead, those roles remain with the players already at the club.
Shearer’s claim remains hypothetical. Álvarez might have improved Arsenal’s chances against Europe’s strongest teams, but his arrival would not have guaranteed success. The competition still requires Arsenal to win several high-level knockout matches.
The coming months will show whether Arsenal can maintain their domestic form while progressing in Europe. Havertz must sustain his scoring, Saka must remain available and the summer arrivals must deliver in their positions.
