Jeremie Aliadiere has urged his former club Arsenal to avoid a potential move for Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window.
Ekitike only joined Liverpool in July, with the Premier League champions signing the France international in a £79m deal from Eintracht 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 the Carabao Cup – which left Arne Slot fuming – saw Ekitike suspended for the loss to Crystal Palace in September, with the forward then benched for Liverpool’s last two Premier League games, having picked up an injury against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Ekitike has been replaced in the Liverpool XI by fellow summer signing Alexander Isak, who arrived at Liverpool in a £125m deal from Newcastle.
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Around a month ago, fake rumours spread 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 told Metro via WhichBookie: ‘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.’