Mikel Arteta and Arsenal next transfer outlined by Pep Guardiola's Julian Alvarez masterstroke

Arsenal leaving the January window with no striker reinforcement has left plenty of supporters questioning the methods behind such a decision.

The club have allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave on a free transfer to Barcelona meaning that Arsenal have just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah available as options for the rest of the season. Should one get injured and the chances of the top four will take a major hit, especially if a problem befalls the Frenchman.

Yet manager Mikel Arteta has seen his former mentor sign a young striking talent that should give him a regretful view of what could have been for the Gunners this winter had they opened their eyes to broader options.

Manchester City confirmed the signing of Julian Alvarez for £14 million from River Plate. 36 goals and 25 assists in 96 appearances for the 22-year-old alerted plenty of interest in the Argentinian.

Manchester City’s Director of Football Txiki Bergiristain explained the reason why they went for Alvarez.

“Julian is a player we have monitored for some time,” Begiristain said. “He is capable of operating in a number of attacking roles, and we firmly believe he's one of the best young attacking players in South America.

“I am so happy we have managed to bring him to Manchester City. I really believe we can provide him with the right conditions to fulfil his potential and become a top player.”

This is where Arsenal could have aimed their crosshairs in the market. Not specifically at Alvarez, competing with City would have been difficult. However, there are young strikers with good records in some niche areas that could have given them what they needed.

The obvious example is Arthur Cabral who joined Fiorentina from Basel in this very window for a