Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their quest to add a striker to the squad with free agent likely to be available this week
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| Arsenal manager Mikel Artets Image credit: Getty Images |
Arsenal are leading the race to sign former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino after reports emerged that the Brazilian has been told to leave Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The Gunners are facing a major injury crisis in attack, with Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season since January and Kai Havertz recently sidelined for the remainder of the campaign due to a torn hamstring suffered during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also nursing injuries, Arsenal find themselves without a senior centre-forward.
Mikel Arteta has been forced to improvise, deploying Leandro Trossard as a central striker in Arsenal’s recent 2-0 win over Leicester City, with Raheem Sterling on the left and Ethan Nwaneri on the right. Midfielder Mikel Merino came off the bench to score both goals in that match, further highlighting Arsenal’s lack of natural striking options.
According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Arsenal are now in pole position to sign Firmino, who is reportedly eager to leave Saudi Arabia. The report states: “Firmino is not willing to stay in Saudi Arabia for another minute, and Arsenal are opening their doors wide for him, given their current injury crisis.”
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| Roberto Firmino Roberto Firmino (Image credit: Getty Images) |
Brazilian journalist Wilson Pimentel has confirmed that Firmino is in talks with Al-Ahli to terminate his contract, with Arsenal and Flamengo closely monitoring his situation.
Pimentel added: “The player prefers a return to Europe, and Flamengo are aware of the difficulty of competing with Arsenal.”
Al-Ahli’s decision to exclude Firmino from their 25-man Saudi Pro League squad following the arrival of Brazilian winger Galeno from FC Porto has paved the way for his potential exit. With Arsenal’s forward line severely depleted, the club is considering a short-term deal for the 32-year-old.
Firmino, who played a key role in Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp, scored 82 goals and provided 51 assists in 256 Premier League appearances. He also boasts an impressive record against Arsenal, netting 11 goals and assisting three more in 18 meetings with the Gunners.
While other options, including a move to Major League Soccer (MLS), Firmino reportedly favours a return to England, where he enjoyed his best years, winning the Champions League and multiple domestic trophies with Liverpool.