After a disappointing end to the 2024/25 season which was considered a regression by some, the feeling around Arsenal is likely to be that this summer’s transfer business must be done right.
With forward players the priority, Mikel Arteta will know that a couple of key signings could be the difference needed if the Gunners hope to get over the line and secure a first Premier League title in over 20 years.
Strikers Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have been heavily linked with the club, in addition to potential moves for Martin Zubimendi and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But the Gunners missed out on Leroy Sane, who opted for a move to Galatasaray.
One more surprising name has come to the fore, and Arteta has been told to sign a divisive Liverpool star for one major reason.
Dean Saunders believes Darwin Nunez could be the answer at Arsenal
TalkSPORT host and former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes a £50m move for heavily-criticised Reds frontman Darwin Nunez could be just what Arsenal need.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: “Is there any fan out there that if the club was linked with Nunez would be disappointed? I agree that he’s not got enough goals for Liverpool, but I think we all look at him with the same eyes. I wouldn’t be surprised if he went to Arsenal and scored 25 goals.”
Saunders believes that Nunez’s Premier League experience may set him apart from Arsenal’s other striker targets. He continued: “The people they’ve got lined up, they’re all gambles. Every striker you bring in from different leagues into the Premier League, you’re like: ‘Fingers crossed’, because you’ve got to be good to score goals in the Premier League.
“At least he’s played in the Premier League for three or four years. And you know what you’re going to get, he works his socks off, so even if he doesn’t score, he’s not a passenger and that’s why the Liverpool fans like him.”
Would Darwin Nunez be a success under Mikel Arteta?
Playing under Arteta at Arsenal, there is no doubt that Nunez would get enough chances to fulfil Saunders’ prediction. Sometimes in the case of a forward for whom confidence is clearly important, new surroundings can be a huge difference-maker.
But how patient Arteta and Gunners fans would be with Nunez, should he make a slow start, is another matter. Patience was shown at Anfield, but that was amidst the goalscoring exploits of teammates, primarily Mohamed Salah. At the Emirates, whoever signs to be the club’s new number nine must shoulder the responsibility of scoring the goals necessary to win titles.
Having said that, Arsenal took a chance on Kai Havertz two years ago when he had been similarly criticised for his inconsistencies at Chelsea, and he has shown improvement in North London.
How Nunez would fare away from Anfield is currently an unknown, but, amidst interest from Napoli and Atletico Madrid, we may find out soon enough.