In an earlier article today, Yash Bisht suggested a whole host of Premier League strikers that would improve Arsenal if they arrived in the summer.
But, in my opinion, he has left out one perfect option…
Arsenal Must Consider Gabriel Jesus by AI
It is clear that Arsenal need a new striker. Aubameyang is simply best playing on the left and Lacazette is washed up physically while also being an average finisher. The latter will be sold this summer window and Arsenal will be looking to get a new striker in.
Arteta’s system makes it quite clear what type of striker is needed. Good hold-up play, good physically, good at pressing, can come inside to link, play others in and stretch the opposition backline with well-timed runs in behind. Any CF that can do these to a high level. Gabriel Jesus is a perfect fit for the role, although there are more probabilities in Isak, Edouard, Watkins, Abraham, Calvert-Lewin etc. The only problem with Gabriel Jesus is the fact that he is not a very good finisher. He has reliably underperformed his xG in four consecutive seasons. He just doesn’t score as much as he should be.
However, Arsenal’s attack these days virtually employs two inside forwards with the caveat that one is usually holding width or coming deep at any time. Jesus’ poor nose for a finish is not going to be too much of an issue as the goal burden will not be on him only. Let’s not forget that he has hit 17 Premier League goals in one season at 22 years of age and 37 goal contributions overall. You can say that this is because he plays for Pep Guardiola but he still underperformed his xG that same season. This means that Jesus goalscoring potential is massive and can definitely get better. Given that he is just 23 years old and not yet in his prime, he is due to have an explosion in class and ability in the coming seasons. There is no better time to take advantage of City’s new forward pursuit than now. Whether it is Halaand or Messi, City will be making a significant investment this season and would like to balance the sheet.
Mikel Arteta will be familiar with Jesus’ game, ability and may be able to convince him to come take the starting spot at Arsenal. The rumours are that Man City would want 90 million euros for him but that’s just a rumour and a silly price tag. Negotiations will bring that down to affordable range after Lacazette’s sale. Also, Pep and the City committee might want to do Arteta a favour because of the relationship they have between themselves.
Only 23 and Premier League experienced, Jesus would be superior to almost any other option for Arsenal in terms of reliability, availability, ability and cost. He can be tempted by London life, a starting spot, as well as the other Brazilians in the squad. It makes too much sense for us not to have a go for him.
He is about to hit his prime, falling out of favour fast, versatile on the wings, professional with a good injury record, already complete in most facets of CF play and familiar with Arteta’s positional play. He gives everything on the pitch all of the time and is ready to do the dirty work to such an extent that he has been made an example to Aguero.
Gabriel also does not make much of a noise when he’s out of the squad and has a superb injury record. He is one of those rare Brazilians like our very own Martinelli. Professional, intense and hardworking. Speaking of which, if Arteta sees Martinelli as a CF then getting in Jesus will be even more appealing as he could learn faster and better with a fellow Brazilian in Jesus and later replace him longterm. Martinelli has the same potential to be complete and even be a better finisher.
Agboola Israel