Arsenal urged to break Klopp heart by signing Liverpool legend who is ‘perfect’ for Arteta system
Mo Salah, Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita at Liverpool kit launch in 2019-20
Arsenal have been told why they should consider a shock move for Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino, who is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Anfield.
In March, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Firmino had decided to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2022-23 season. He had been offered the chance to sign a two-year contract extension by the Reds but rejected it in order to move elsewhere.
The centre-forward had a brilliant farewell at Liverpool, scoring in their final home game of the season against Aston Villa, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side to salvage a 1-1 draw, as well as netting in their final match of the campaign versus Southampton. That ended in an entertaining 4-4 draw.
Firmino is currently weighing up his options. Even though he is 31 and in the twilight years of his career, he should still receive plenty of offers following his hugely successful time at Liverpool. He scored 111 goals for Liverpool and was a crucial part of them winning major competitions such as the Champions League and Premier League.
Surprisingly, talkSPORT presenter Ade Oladipo has suggested Firmino heads to Liverpool’s English rivals Arsenal next. Such a move would leave Klopp heartbroken as Firmino is one of his all-time favourite players.
“You know who he would be perfect for… I don’t know if he would accept a place off the bench, maybe not even off the bench – Arsenal. I think [in] that intricate play, he’d be fantastic for Arsenal,” the pundit said.
“That number nine where [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Bukayo] Saka do the work, score the goals and he just… exactly what his role was when it was [Sadio] Mane and [Mo] Salah flying and firing [at Liverpool]. I think he’d be really good for Arsenal.”
However, fellow talkSPORT host Rory Jennings questioned whether Firmino would make such a move based on his love for Liverpool.
Arsenal move could ruin Liverpool great’s legacy
“Does it not tarnish his Liverpool legacy? He’s so synonymous with Liverpool Football Club, he represents not only Liverpool but this era of Liverpool,” Jennings replied.
“He’s so loved, he was crying wasn’t he [after his last game]. The song on the Kop will resonate forever, they’ll be signing that in two decades’ time.”
Firmino would likely excel in Arteta’s system as he could perform a similar role to current Gunners striker Gabriel Jesus.
Luckily for Liverpool fans, there are a couple of reasons why this transfer is unlikely to happen.
First of all, Firmino left Liverpool so he could become an important player for another club and feature regularly. This probably would not happen at Arsenal due to Jesus already being at Arteta’s disposal, plus the North London side are close to landing Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
And, as Jennings points out, Firmino will not want to annoy the Liverpool fans that cherish him so much by coming up against them next season representing a different team.
Instead, it is more likely the 55-cap Brazil international will head to a major European club. He has been linked with Juventus, where he could replace Dusan Vlahovic, while Real Madrid have also put him on their shortlist in case they miss out on Kylian Mbappe.
