Arsenal could shock many by signing Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez before transfer deadline day.
There is a feeling that Mikel Arteta and Edu have something up their sleeve before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday night.
Arsenal just signed Mikel Merino to represent the third arrival at the Emirates, joining David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori.
Now, it’s circulating that a shock swoop for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez could be on the cards, as the 25-year-old battles to make his mark under new boss Arne Slot.
The Reds are rumoured to be interested in fellow forward Federico Chiesa this week, making the chances of Nunez pushing for a move away from Anfield even greater.
While the Premier League striker would bolster Arsenal’s front line, not everyone would benefit from his possible arrival.
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Losers from Darwin Nunez to Arsenal transfer
Kai Havertz
After a slow start to life in North London, Arteta found treasure in installing some confidence in Kai Havertz by pursuing the German as a number nine.
The 25-year-old is in stellar form, recording 17 goal contributions in 15 Premier League matches when playing as a striker at Arsenal.
Introducing Nunez would disrupt Havertz’s claim to being Arsenal’s line leader, which could result in Arteta pushing the Germany international back into midfield.
While the 2023 arrival has the versatility necessary to play in multiple roles, he’s found sanctuary as the Gunners’ striker, which could be stripped if Nunez arrived.
Gabriel Martinelli
On the subject of versatility, Nunez is capable of being deployed both as a centre-forward and on the left side of attack.
The Uruguayan possesses electric pace making him the ideal profile for a winger, which could be detrimental to Gabriel Martinelli.
The presence of Leandro Trossard alone could jeopardise the Brazilian’s claim to the starting XI, with Martinelli’s form far from good enough over the past year.
Introducing Nunez would only add further competition within the front line, which could prove to be another stumbling block for Martinelli.
Gabriel Jesus
Arguably the player who would suffer most from the prospect of Nunez signing is Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal’s number nine is the reason why links have surfaced, with Jesus unable to remain fit throughout the course of a season, already falling victim to injury.
Added to that, the striker is far from clinical despite being unplayable at times, with Nunez having the ability to walk in and immediately usurp the Brazilian this summer.
Winners from Nunez to Arsenal deal
Bukayo Saka
It’s not all doom and gloom as some could benefit from Nunez’s arrival, one of which being Bukayo Saka.
The right-winger has taken on a lot of responsibility in Arsenal’s front line, contributing to 68 goals over the past three Premier League seasons, telling of his importance.
Adding a striker capable of terrorising the opposition could take the weight off of Saka for a moment, which would only benefit the squad as a whole.
In addition to being able to share the goals around, Nunez could combine well with the winger, optimising Arsenal’s strength going forward.
Martin Odegaard
In a similar position is Martin Odegaard, who despite being Arsenal’s key creator behind the front line, is yet to have an assured strike presence ahead of him under Arteta.
Nunez is a menace when in form and a player whose movement and tireless approach to play often gets the better of opposition defenders.
Odegaard could thrive in playing behind the Uruguay international, who is a willing runner and competent finisher, two ingredients that make him the ideal forward for the Arsenal skipper to combine with.
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