5 Reasons why Arsenal should consider buying Firmino in January

Arsenal are sweating over the injury picked up by Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup while playing for Brazil. This is causing Gooner fans sleepless nights as they are not convinced that Hale End graduate, Eddie Nketiah can fill the void despite impressing during the second half of last season after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s acrimonious departure.

This article will delve into highlighting five reasons why Roberto Firmino should be on top of Arsenal’s shopping list in January.

1. Contract Situation

The possibility of Roberto Firmino joining Arsenal in January may sound inconceivable. But it is a probable one considering that his contract expires in June. Liverpool are yet to agree a new deal with the striker and reports have it that Liverpool are in ongoing talks with him over a new deal at Anfield.

The Liverpool striker is currently valued at £28 million and he’s in a position to negotiate with other clubs next month making it impossible to rule out a move to another Premier League club. Meaning that, an irresistible offer from league leaders Arsenal may be too tempting at this stage of his career to turn down.

2. Style of Play

Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus both play similar style of football which requires tenacity, hard-work and aggression based on a high pressing. So, buying Firmino to cover for Jesus may be a smart move for Arteta’s Arsenal.

Firmino is the kingpin in Klopps high tempo football has he is clever at interceptions and winning the ball back by applying pressure on the opposition, which allows for the likes of Salah and Mane to excel. Gabriel Jesus also replicates a similar approach at Arsenal to great effect.

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3. Big Game Player!

The Liverpool fan favourite is a big game player who has scored 100+ goals and made over 70 assists for Liverpool since his arrival in 2015.

Firmino is also quite proficient when it comes to scoring in big games and has scored against all of the big six. He is also Liverpool’s 4th time highest scorer in Europe.

4. He will slot in well at Arsenal

With a strong Brazilian presence already at the club, Firmino will find it easy to adapt, considering that Edu Gasper who was recently promoted as Director of Football and the likes of the 3 Gabriel’s (Martinelli, Jesus and Meghalles) form part of a strong Brazilian family at Arsenal.

5. Proven Winner

Firmino is a proven winner who will bring his winning mentality to this young and talented Arsenal team. The Brazilian has won everything there is to win at club level helping Liverpool lift the Premier League and, Champions League titles, the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, plus the Club World Cup and Super Cup.

This is a gamble definitely worth taken as Firmino’s aggressive high press and interceptions will benefit Arsenal’s youngsters like Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martinelli. Having Firmino who is now 31, play 60 to 65 minutes, and bringing on Eddie Nketiah’s fresh young legs to maintain the high tempo for the remaining 25 to 30 minutes makes sense.

Eddie Nketiah will also benefit from being an understudy to the likes of Jesus and Firmino, who could both be rotated smartly for Arsenal to win trophies when Jesus recovers. Firmino’s addition will surely ensure that Arsenal can continue to win games at the top of the Premier league this season with the Premier League in sight.

However, Liverpool’s willingness to sell Firmino would depend on how much they value him and, how much interested clubs are willing to offer. But surely, this is an option worth exploring by Edu and Arteta, if they have any ambition of lifting the Premier League in May.