Roberto Firmino to Arsenal? A Verbal Agreement Is in Place

In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal Football Club is reportedly on the verge of securing a verbal agreement with former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino. This development comes as the Gunners grapple with a significant striker shortage due to a series of injuries to key attacking players.

The injury crisis began when Gabriel Jesus suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee during a match against Manchester United in January 2025, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This was a substantial blow to Arsenal’s attacking lineup, as Jesus had been a pivotal figure in their forward play. citeturn0search21

The situation worsened during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, where Kai Havertz sustained a torn hamstring. The German forward’s injury was unexpected and has sidelined him for the rest of the season, further depleting Arsenal’s offensive options. citeturn0search7

Compounding these challenges, both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been dealing with hamstring issues, leaving them unavailable for selection. This string of injuries has left manager Mikel Arteta with limited choices in the attacking department.

In response to this crisis, Arteta has been experimenting with various players in the striker role. Midfielder Mikel Merino was deployed as a forward in a recent match against Leicester City, where he impressively scored two goals to secure a victory. Despite this success, relying on midfielders to fill attacking roles is not a sustainable long-term solution. citeturn0news34

Recognizing the need for an experienced and versatile forward, Arsenal have turned their attention to Roberto Firmino. The Brazilian striker, who enjoyed a successful tenure at Liverpool, has recently found himself out of favor at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Firmino was excluded from Al-Ahli’s league squad for the remainder of the season, leading to speculation about his future. citeturn0search10

Reports suggest that Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Firmino to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. This move is seen as a strategic response to the club’s current striker shortage, providing Arteta with a seasoned forward capable of leading the line and mentoring younger players.

Firmino’s potential arrival has been met with optimism, considering his Premier League experience and track record. During his time at Liverpool, he was instrumental in the club’s successes, including winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. His ability to link play, press opponents, and score crucial goals would be invaluable assets to Arsenal’s attacking strategy.

However, the deal is not without its complexities. Al-Ahli reportedly intends to retain Firmino for their Asian Champions League campaign, which could pose a hurdle to Arsenal’s plans. Negotiations are ongoing, and both clubs are working towards a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. citeturn0search16

In the interim, Arteta continues to explore internal solutions to the striker crisis. Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri have all been considered for the forward role in upcoming fixtures. The manager has expressed confidence in his squad’s adaptability and the readiness of young talents to step up when called upon.

The potential signing of Firmino also aligns with Arsenal’s broader strategy of integrating experienced players to complement their youthful squad. His presence could provide a stabilizing influence and enhance the team’s competitiveness in both domestic and European competitions.

As the situation develops, Arsenal supporters eagerly await official confirmation of Firmino’s signing. The club’s immediate fixtures include crucial Premier League matches and a Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven, where a bolstered attacking lineup would be highly advantageous.

In conclusion, Arsenal’s proactive approach in addressing their striker shortage through the pursuit of Roberto Firmino underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining their competitive edge. While challenges remain in finalizing the transfer, the potential addition of Firmino could significantly enhance the Gunners’ prospects for the remainder of the season.