Arsenal Football Club is reportedly close to securing a verbal agreement with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino. This unexpected development comes as the Gunners face a growing crisis in their attacking department due to multiple injuries affecting key strikers.
The injury troubles began in January 2025 when Gabriel Jesus suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during a match against Manchester United. His absence for the rest of the season left a significant gap in Arsenal’s attacking options, as he had been a crucial player in their forward line.
The situation worsened during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai, where Kai Havertz sustained a torn hamstring. His unexpected long-term injury further depleted the club’s attacking strength, forcing manager Mikel Arteta to explore alternative solutions.
Adding to Arsenal’s difficulties, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been struggling with hamstring issues, rendering them unavailable for selection. These setbacks have left Arteta with limited options, making it increasingly challenging to maintain the team’s attacking fluidity.
In an effort to cope with the crisis, Arteta has experimented with various players in the striker role. Midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as a forward in a recent match against Leicester City, where he delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice to secure a win. Despite this success, relying on midfielders to play out of position is not seen as a sustainable solution.
Given the urgent need for an experienced forward, Arsenal turned their attention to Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian striker, who previously had a successful stint at Liverpool, has been struggling for game time at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. His exclusion from Al-Ahli’s league squad for the remainder of the season has fueled speculation about his future, making him a viable option for Arsenal.
Reports indicate that Arsenal and Firmino have reached a verbal agreement, with the club looking to bring him in as a short-term solution to their attacking woes. Firmino’s extensive Premier League experience, combined with his technical ability and work rate, makes him an attractive option for Arteta’s system.
However, the deal is not yet finalized, as Al-Ahli is reportedly reluctant to let Firmino leave, especially with their Asian Champions League campaign underway. Negotiations are ongoing, and Arsenal is working to find a resolution that satisfies all parties. In the meantime, Arteta continues to explore internal solutions, with players like Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri being considered for the forward role.
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