Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has taken an unexpected twist, with Roberto Firmino emerging as a potential target. The Brazilian forward, currently at Al Ahli, has been linked with a return to the Premier League after being excluded from his club’s Saudi Pro League squad. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided an update that could put an end to those speculations.
Firmino’s time in Saudi Arabia has taken an unpredictable turn. After departing Liverpool in 2023 following a successful tenure, he signed a three-year contract with Al Ahli. However, just months into his stay, the club removed him from their domestic league squad to make room for new signing Galeno. Despite this setback, he remains eligible to participate in the AFC Champions League, making his future uncertain.
With Arsenal struggling with injuries in attack, Firmino’s name surfaced as a potential solution. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka have all faced fitness issues, leaving Mikel Arteta short on options up front. Reports suggested Arsenal might attempt to secure Firmino, particularly if he managed to negotiate an early exit from his contract with Al Ahli.
However, Romano has now confirmed that Firmino is not set to leave Saudi Arabia. In his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, the journalist stated:
“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. Let’s see what happens if they change their stance.”
This update indicates that Arsenal’s chances of signing Firmino this window are minimal. While the club cannot make a permanent signing outside the transfer window, they may have hoped for Firmino to secure a contract termination, allowing him to join as a free agent. However, with Al Ahli determined to retain him for their continental campaign, Arsenal may need to explore alternative options.
For Mikel Arteta, this represents a setback. With his squad stretched thin, he had to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker in Arsenal’s last game—a gamble that paid off, as the Spaniard scored twice. However, such tactical improvisation is not a sustainable strategy for a team competing on multiple fronts.
Unless Al Ahli changes its stance, Firmino’s potential Premier League return will have to wait. Meanwhile, Arsenal must turn their focus elsewhere as they seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the season’s crucial period.