Mikel Arteta’s stance on Gabriel Jesus has now emerged after reports surfaced that Arsenal could sell the striker this summer.
The Brazilian international has been rumoured with an exit from north London in the upcoming transfer window with Arsenal believed to be open to offers for Jesus as part of their plan to overhaul their attacking ranks.
With Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson also rumoured with moves away from Arsenal, offloading Jesus appeared to also be part of the Gunners’ plans to transform their forward options amid links to the likes of Alexander Isak and Joshua Zirkzee.
Yet Arteta’s stance on selling Jesus paints a different picture to what’s been reported.
Arteta eager to keep Jesus despite plan to sign new leading striker
According to the Sun, Arteta has no intention of selling Jesus this summer despite the Arsenal manager moving ahead with plans to bring in a world-class no. 9 to lead the front line next season.
As per the report, Arteta is a fan of Jesus’ leadership qualities as well as the 27-year-old attacker’s impact on guiding the younger players, with the striker one of the most experienced figures in the squad.
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With Jorginho reportedly signing a new contract with Arsenal, experience will be key for the Gunners next season in their bid to challenge for the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
And although Jesus’ form has been poor this season, a full pre-season coupled with competition from a new striker arriving could be enough motivation to get the Brazilian back to his best.
Jesus can become Arsenal’s ‘moments player’ for next season
After being knocked out of the Champions League, plenty of talk was made about Arsenal’s lack of a ‘moments player’, that special figure in the squad who can create something out of nothing.
And whilst performances have suggested otherwise, Jesus could become that player if the forward stays at Arsenal and can return to the level of form the striker showed when he first arrived in north London.
As we remember, Jesus was electric before the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Arsenal, and capturing that form could be key for the Gunners if they’re to go far again in Europe next year, as well as challenge for the Premier League title.