Arsenal Continues Pursuit of Top-Tier Striker as Mikel Arteta Makes Bold Remarks: Report
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed his commitment to backing current forward Gabriel Jesus, even as the club explores various attacking options.
The Brazilian striker has been associated with a transfer to Palmeiras, but in response to the speculation, Arteta stated: “Reports of Gabriel Jesus leaving for Brazil in January are nonsense. Like all strikers, they experience phases and moments. His attitude has been very good. It consistently is. We’re going to support him as much as we can.”
Nevertheless, speculation regarding various forward options, some potentially available as early as January, seems to challenge the confidence that Arteta — recognized as the fourth-best manager in the world by FourFourTwo — has in his current attacking lineup.
Arsenal linked with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, among others
A report from TEAMtalk indicates that the Gunners have inquired about the availability of long-time target Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus, considering a deal potentially as soon as January.
The Old Lady are reported to be receptive to offers around £57.7 million, which presents a substantial saving compared to targets like Alexander Isak, with Newcastle United reportedly seeking more than £115 million.
Combining these two potential targets with the manager’s reported interest in Spanish winger Nico Williams, reveals a picture of a manager not completely convinced by his current forward options, despite what Arteta claims.
This viewpoint seems justifiable, as Arsenal is currently ranked seventh in goals scored from open play in the Premier League, tied with teams like Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with defender Gabriel (3) just two goals shy of joint-top scorers Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka (5) in the squad.
The north London club’s manager has previously shown a similar pattern, consistently acting as if David Raya’s signing was not a reflection on Aaron Ramsdale, prior to letting the latter go at the earliest chance.
Though Arteta’s comments in support of Jesus may carry weight, Arsenal’s ongoing transfer activities suggest a different narrative.
In FourFourTwo’s view, it seems clear that Jesus may benefit from a change of scenery, and it appears equally evident that Arsenal acknowledges their attacking shortcomings.
Jesus showed promise when he first joined the club in 2022/23, netting 11 goals, but he scored less than half that total in the last season and has only made two Premier League starts this term.
At merely 27 years of age, he exhibits all the characteristics of a player in need of a transfer to reignite his career.
