Arsenal have been mentioned in transfer speculation surrounding Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, with the former Liverpool forward potentially attracting attention from clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
The Gunners have been working towards building a squad capable of competing for major trophies, and strengthening their forward line could become an important consideration for Mikel Arteta.
Núñez is a striker known for his pace, physical strength, aggressive movement and ability to trouble defenders. His experience in European football, particularly during his time at Liverpool, makes him an interesting name whenever clubs are searching for additional attacking quality.
However, there is currently no reliable confirmation that Arsenal are negotiating a deal for the Uruguayan international.
Núñez previously played for Liverpool after joining from Benfica in 2022. During his time at Anfield, he scored 40 goals and registered 26 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions.
Although his performances were sometimes inconsistent, he demonstrated an ability to create dangerous situations through his movement, speed and willingness to attack defenders.
His departure from Liverpool in August 2025 saw him join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on a three-year contract.
However, his experience in Saudi Arabia became complicated after competition for foreign-player places affected his opportunities. Following the arrival of Karim Benzema, Núñez was left out of Al-Hilal’s domestic league registration.
The situation eventually led to another move, with newly promoted Saudi Pro League club Al-Diriyah signing him on loan in August 2026.
That temporary move gives the striker an opportunity to regain regular playing time and demonstrate his quality.
For Arsenal, the attraction of a player like Núñez would be understandable. Arteta needs attacking options capable of offering different qualities, especially when his team faces opponents who defend with a deep defensive line.
Núñez’s speed could provide Arsenal with another attacking dimension. His ability to run behind defenders would give midfielders additional passing options, while his physical presence could help the team compete against strong central defenders.
He could also provide competition for Viktor Gyökeres and offer Arteta another option when Arsenal need to change their attacking approach.
Nevertheless, any potential move would involve several complications. Núñez remains contracted to Al-Hilal, and his loan arrangement with Al-Diriyah would also need to be considered before another club could pursue his signature.
Arsenal would therefore need to negotiate with the relevant clubs rather than simply sign him as a free agent.
Another important consideration would be whether Núñez fits Arteta’s preferred style of football. The Arsenal manager demands intelligent movement, disciplined pressing and consistent contribution from his attacking players.
The Uruguayan possesses many of those qualities, but he would need to demonstrate that he can deliver consistently in the Premier League.
For now, Arsenal supporters should treat the transfer story as speculation. No official agreement, confirmed negotiations or completed deal has been announced.
If Arsenal eventually decide to pursue Núñez, his experience and attacking qualities could make the situation interesting.
However, until credible reports establish genuine interest, the striker’s immediate priority remains making an impact at Al-Diriyah and improving his performances in Saudi Arabia.
A potential return to European football could become a talking point in the future, but an Arsenal transfer remains unconfirmed.
