Jeremie Aliadierehas urged his former clubArsenalto avoid a potential move forLiverpoolstrikerHugo Ekitikein the January transfer window.
Ekitikeonly joined Liverpool in July, with thePremier Leaguechampions signing the France international in a £79m deal fromEintracht Frankfurt.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a fine start at Liverpool, registering three goals and an assist across his opening five top-flight games for the Reds.
But a red card in theCarabao Cup–which left Arne Slot fuming– saw Ekitike suspended for the loss toCrystal Palacein September, with the forward then benched for Liverpool’s last two Premier League games, havingpicked up an injury against Galatasarayin the Champions League.
Ekitike has been replaced in the Liverpool XI by fellow summer signingAlexander Isak, who arrived at Liverpool in a £125m deal from Newcastle.
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Around a month ago,fake rumoursspread on social media that Arsenal had ‘contacted’ Ekitike’s representatives over his situation at Liverpool.
Aliadiere: Arsenal shouldn’t sign Hugo Ekitike
Quizzed about the Ekitike rumours ahead of the January transfer window, Aliadiere toldMetroviaWhichBookie: ‘No, [Arsenal shouldn’t sign him].
‘As much as I’m a big fan of him and I like the player, I just don’t see where he would fit. I’m happy with Viktor Gyokeres playing up there.
‘We’ve got so many players who can’t quite get in the team right now, so adding a big name like that, I’m not sure that would help the team.
‘Obviously, you want the best players in the world to play for your club. But, with personal experience, it’s not about having 11 world-class players. It’s about having balance in the team.’
Aliadiere has no concerns over Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres in a £64m deal from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, with the Swedish striker having scored three goals across his opening eight top-fight matches for the Gunners.
Gyokeres has failed to find the back of the net in Arsenal’s last four Premier League games – but Aliadiere has no concerns over the player.
‘None at all,’ Aliadiere added. ‘I know how it feels to be a striker and to be judged on scoring goals.
‘If he wasn’t working hard, and he didn’t know what to do, I’d be a bit more concerned.
‘I feel the goals will come – and when they come – they’ll come fast.
‘He’s getting used to playing with new teammates in a new system. It won’t be a problem.’
