In Dubai, Arsenal’s injury woes deepened—Kai Havertz is out for the season, joining Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines. Suddenly, Arteta’s forward options are paper-thin.
Against Leicester, Arteta turned to makeshift striker Mikel Merino. He delivered. A brace. A 2‑0 win. But Merino is a stop‑gap—not a long‑term fix. Arsenal need reinforcements.
Enter Roberto Firmino. Thirty‑three. Former Liverpool icon. Currently with Al‑Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Stellar pedigree: Champions League and Premier League winner.
But now? Excluded from Al‑Ahli’s 25‑man Pro League roster after Galeno’s arrival—he’s still eligible for the AFC Champions League, yet locked out of domestic fixtures as reported by GiveMeSport.
Journalist Ben Jacobs flagged Firmino as a viable free‑agent target. Arsenal are watching.
A short‑term fix? Yes.
But also assured quality. Firmino brings box instincts, link‑play evolved through Klopp’s attack.
With Arsenal operating outside the transfer window, a free agent like Firmino could be registered immediately under exceptional injury rules—no waiting, no extra cost.
Still, it’s unclear if Al‑Ahli will cut him early. Fabrizio Romano on arsenalinsider.com, suggests he may stay until season’s end.
Arteta’s face says it all—he needs someone who can hit the ground running.
Imagine the scene: a veteran link‑man parachuted in, solving the striker crisis, helping Arsenal push on.
That is urgency. That is purpose. That is why Firmino fits the moment.
Time is ticking.