Kevin Campbell has made it clear that it’s ‘not the reality’ for Arsenal to sign a player like Liverpool-bound Darwin Nunez this summer, as he told the Highbury Squad.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu Gaspar are preparing for a big summer in which a new No.9 will be on top of the agenda as they aim to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the Premier League.
The club are actively seeking to find a replacement for former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah could also be departing to their expiring contracts.
It means Arsenal will be busy scouring the market for a new goalscoring no.9 who could take their game to the next level, and lethal hitman Nunez has reportedly been on their list of targets.
The former Arsenal and Everton striker was reacting to a complaint that Arsenal ‘don’t show ambition’ and it’s proven by them not pushing for Nunez’s signature.
The 22-year-old is on the verge of joining Liverpool in a possible £85 million deal from Benfica (Sky Sports).
Jurgen Klopp missed out on the Premier League title on the last day of the 2021/22 season, whilst also winning two domestic cups and getting to the Champions League final.
Liverpool are in a world of their own compared to Arsenal, as Campbell made it clear that one of the ’big differences’ is that the Gunners need ’8-10’ players, whilst the Reds only need Nunez to replace Sadio Mane.
“That’s not the reality,” said Campbell. “It’s not real. The reality is Liverpool can spend that money because they don’t need it much.
“They are losing Mane, so they need one player. Or two players max. We need 8-10. There is a big difference.
“We aren’t spending £85-100 million on one player. We are not, so let’s get realistic.”
Our thoughts on Campbell’s comments…
It’s clear Arsenal are in need of a true goalscoring number nine, especially considering Alexandre Lacazette’s struggles in finding consistent goalscoring form.
While the Frenchman has excelled in his creation of goals with seven assists so far this campaign, he’s only notched four league goals in comparison to Nunez’s 26.
Lacazette has since now left the Emirates, and there now is a real need for Arteta to splash the cash on a consistent number nine.
The Uruguayan hotshot would have been a superb fit the but the pull of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool was too good for the forward to turn down, that’s the kind of levels Arsenal will need to get back to if they are to acquire the elite players in world football.
AND in other news, Arsenal offered “outstanding” £27m-rated star, Arteta doesn’t need him – opinion…