Gabriel Jesus delivered a clear statement of intent with his two goals as Arsenal defeated Inter Milan in their most recent match. His performance has intensified the debate around Arsenal’s striking options, particularly at a time when Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to replicate his previous goal-scoring form. For some, Jesus has shown enough to warrant a more regular place in the starting line-up.
Jesus has been part of the squad for a longer period and has a deeper understanding of Arsenal’s style and expectations. That familiarity has been evident in recent weeks, yet the club remain mindful of their significant investment in Gyokeres. Arsenal are not prepared to abandon the Swedish striker so early, believing he can still rediscover the lethal touch he showed at Sporting Clube in Portugal.
Growing competition in the attack
While Arsenal continue to back Gyokeres, Jesus has now emerged as genuine competition for his place. The Brazilian’s sharpness and confidence have returned following his recent run of fitness, and his influence has been hard to ignore. If Gyokeres fails to respond, there is a growing sense that Jesus could command the role for an extended period.
Arsenal’s coaching staff are encouraged by what they have seen from Jesus in recent matches. His movement, pressing and finishing have added balance to the attack, and his experience remains an asset in high-level fixtures. The internal competition is viewed positively, as it pushes standards higher across the squad.
Contract talks and long-term value
Jesus’ resurgence has also sparked discussion behind the scenes regarding his future at the club. According to Fichajes, Arsenal are now considering offering the forward a contract extension. His current deal runs until 2027, but the report claims the club are contemplating adding at least one more season.
Any decision will depend heavily on fitness and consistency. Injuries have previously disrupted Jesus’ momentum, but if he can remain available, he is expected to play a central role in Arsenal’s pursuit of success. His recent performances suggest he still has much to offer, and a new contract could reflect his renewed importance within the squad.
For Arsenal, managing both strikers effectively could prove decisive as the season progresses.
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My problem with Jesus (and with Havetz for that matter) is availability. Imagine if we had to depend on them this season!
If I had my way I would ship both of them out in the summer and invest in Julian Alvarez.
A central-attacking stock of Gyokeres and Alvarez, complemented by Merino, can take Arsenal to new heights.
Let Arsenal sport Julian Alvarez because is a good player and he has ever been in the PL so he understand it very well
Alvarez is no better than Jesus imo, Arsenal needs a striker that can hold the ball, dribble pass his marker and create chances for himself, and that’s what GJ has been doing. It’s so unfortunate that he’s been unlucky with goals and injuries. Fingers crossed 🤞, his current form ( long May it live) is something to watch out for. He still has it in him if you ask me
My point was on his availability.
He is good, but once these long niggling injuries set in, you may have a crock in your hands.
And same goes for Havertz
Anyway I trust ruthless Berta and Arteta to do the right thing
We need to play him against MU, even though Gyökeres scored at last and especially with Havertz injured, again!
As I posted in another article, I wouldn’t mind him staying if he can prove his fitness and contribute over the rest of the season.
Problem is his wages. I don’t see him being more than a squad player at the moment, and for this reason he can’t be our second highest earner behind Havertz.
He would have to be willing to take a significant wage cut.
Mistake, he is not second highest earner anymore, I was looking at an outdated list.
However 265K per week for a squad player is way too high.
Question, when on a long term injury like GJ has had, are they still entitled to their full salary?
Kia, yes they still get paid their full salary…even when suspended they get it, but sometimes the club will fine them (but rarely).
Thanks Jax.
Nice little paid break for GJ!
Yeah, there is that, but with the World Cup coming up (if it actually takes place) he’ll need to get some good form over these next few months.
If it’s true that their considering offering him a new contract, maybe they need to put an injury clause of some sort in there.
Whether that’s an option or not is another matter.
It’s a little early to know if his return to form will see him hit his previous heights, and justify extending a contract at his current high salary. Currently I’d say no. We need to keep refreshing the team slowly, and as much as I love him, I have to admit his injury record makes it hard to argue for.
What is true, is that he offers us something different to both Gyokeres and Havertz. Having his creativity and movement as an option in trying to defeat low blocks is a great asset for us in the contemporary game. Next season, I think it will be time to start looking for a younger, more robust alternative with similar instincts to play that role, one who defends just as well in the opponent’s half but can break lines and play a 9 role as needed. Joao Pedro or Hugo Ekitike are examples of the profile.