3 days ago
Arsenal have been encouraged to address their attacking concerns by making a bold move for Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez. The suggestion comes from former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadière, who believes the Uruguayan could provide the edge the Gunners need to reinvigorate their Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners’ recent dip in form has highlighted their attacking issues. A run of three Premier League games without a win has seen Arsenal drop to fourth place, leaving them nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. Despite a promising start to the season, Kai Havertz has managed just one goal in his last seven matches, and Gabriel Jesus has delivered inconsistent performances.
This lack of reliable goal-scoring options has fueled calls for Arsenal to secure a marquee signing in January to bolster their front line. Aliadière has proposed Darwin Núñez as a potential solution.
The former Arsenal invincible has expressed admiration for Núñez’s qualities, emphasizing his tireless work ethic, movement, and ability to stretch opposition defenses. Speaking to Football365, Aliadière said:
"I am a massive fan of Darwin Núñez. Absolutely mad fan of the guy because I love his work ethic, his runs, his determination, and I wish we had a player like him at Arsenal."
Aliadière noted that Núñez’s style of play could have a transformative effect on Arsenal’s attack, even if his finishing isn’t always clinical.
"I know people will say he needs five chances to score sometimes, he is not the best finisher, but I am not bothered about this. For me, the effort, work rate, and the drama he causes are worth everything."
Since joining Liverpool for £64 million from Benfica in 2022, Núñez has struggled to cement a consistent starting spot. He has scored just two league goals this season, though his dynamic presence on the field has often disrupted opposition defenses.
Aliadière also highlighted the limitations of Arsenal’s current options in attack. While Havertz has filled the number nine role at times, his lack of natural instincts as a striker could hinder Arsenal’s progress over a long season.
"Havertz is not a natural number nine. He’s doing a fantastic job but over a full season, Champions League, Premier League, it’s more difficult," Aliadière explained.
Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, has often operated more as a creative forward than a traditional striker, dropping deep to link up play rather than leading the line.
"Jesus is not a typical number nine; he likes to come and get involved in the build-up. I am not sure that is the answer," he added.
While a move for Núñez would be challenging given his current ties to Liverpool, Aliadière believes the striker’s energy and relentless playstyle could fit seamlessly into Arsenal’s high-intensity system under Mikel Arteta.
If Arsenal are serious about reigniting their title hopes, pursuing a proven, high-impact striker like Núñez could be a statement of intent. The January transfer window may provide the Gunners with an opportunity to address their shortcomings and make the leap from title challengers to genuine contenders.
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