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Arsenal signing this £13m Liverpool outcast would be a beacon of hope for both parties

Why Shaqiri to Arsenal would be a beacon of hope for both sides

Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has told Football Insider (h/t Daily Express) that he believes Arsenal and Tottenham could both consider signing Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri.

It has not been the best of starts to the season for Shaqiri so far, after getting injured earlier in August.

Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring for Liverpool.
Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring for Liverpool. (Getty Images)

The injury has pushed the Swiss forward into the fringes, making just three appearances for the Reds this term. Unfortunately for the winger, all of them have been from the bench.

Shaqiri last played for Liverpool mid-September, coming on as a late substitute against Napoli in a Champions League encounter.

With Mohamed Salah being the undisputed starter on the right wing, Shaqiri’s game time has been limited under current boss Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah. (Getty Images)

Liverpool, on the other hand, are in flying form, as they remain unbeaten on top of the Premier League table with 11 wins in 12 games.

The stocky and powerful Shaqiri had joined Liverpool in the summer of 2018 after some impressive displays for the now-relegated Stoke City.

His 8 goals and 7 assists for the Potters the season before had attracted Klopp, who signed him for a fee of £13million.  

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. (Getty Images)

Since arriving at Anfield, Shaqiri has struggled to establish himself as a regular, often playing second fiddle to Egyptian winger Salah.

Shaqiri was quite impressive for the Reds in his first season, scoring 6 goals and assisting 3 times in 13 appearances.

However, the Swiss attacker has repeatedly been overlooked by Klopp, who clearly favours Salah.

Swiss forward Shaqiri has struggled for game time at the Anfield.
Swiss forward Shaqiri has struggled for game time at the Anfield. (Getty Images)

With 22 league goals, Salah was the Premier League’s golden boot winner alongside teammate Mane last season.

For someone as talented as Shaqiri, it has been extremely difficult to establish his name in the first team with Salah gobbling up all the game time.

However, Bent, a former England international, believes that Shaqiri has nothing to worry about, as he could be a target for Arsenal and Tottenham in January, as claimed by Football Insider (h/t Daily Express).

Arsenal players in action during a Europa League encounter.
Arsenal players in action during a Europa League encounter. (Getty Images)

Arsenal have endured a rather difficult start to the season, dropping to fifth in the table. The Gunners have failed to win their last four Premier League outings.

After his side’s poor displays and with Nicolas Pepe failing to hit the gears since his £72million move, Arsenal boss Unai Emery is severely under pressure.

Except for experienced striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the rest of the Gunners’ attack has failed to impress, with their Champions League dream still hanging in the balance.  

 Arsenal's new summer signing Nicolas Pepe.
Arsenal’s new summer signing Nicolas Pepe. (Getty Images)

With Emery’s attackers failing to execute the desired results, a move for the talented Shaqiri could once again make them a formidable force in front of the goal.

Verdict

With the Arsenal’s attack seemingly toothless upfront, Shaqiri is capable of propelling them back into the top-three.

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Hence, a move to the north London side would be a beacon of hope for both the Swiss man and Emery.