Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has responded to surprising reports linking Arsenal with a short-term move for former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.
With Arsenal facing an injury crisis in attack—Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the season, and Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli out until April—rumors surfaced that the Gunners could turn to the free-agent market for reinforcements.
Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed Firmino was looking to terminate his contract with Saudi club Al-Ahli, making him available for a move to North London. The report suggested Firmino was unhappy after being left out of Al-Ahli’s league squad due to foreign player restrictions.
However, Romano has dismissed the speculation, saying Al-Ahli currently has no plans to release Firmino.
“He’s still not leaving Al-Ahli now as the Saudi club insists on keeping him until the summer since they can use him in the Asian Champions League,” Romano stated. “Let’s see if anything changes.”
Firmino joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 after eight trophy-laden years at Liverpool, where he scored 111 goals and formed a legendary attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Despite a debut hat-trick for Al-Ahli, his stint in Saudi Arabia has been underwhelming, with just five league goals this season.
For now, it seems Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements as Firmino remains in the Middle East—unless Al-Ahli has a change of heart.
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