ARSENAL are growing impatient with Gabriel Jesus’ persistent injury problems.
The Gunners have already started drawing up a target list of strikers to lead their attack on more consistent basis.
Jesus has been sidelined since January with a knee problem, despite being named as an unused substitute in Saturday’s 4-1 victory against Newcastle. The Brazilian player has struggled with fitness issues since joining Arsenal before last season. He endured a three-month absence during last season’s title race with Manchester City after sustaining a knee injury at the World Cup. Furthermore, he missed the beginning of this campaign after undergoing knee surgery during the summer.
Subsequently, he limped off the pitch during the match against Sevilla in October, citing a hamstring issue. The persistent injury concerns contribute to the club’s resolve to secure a new central striker this summer. According to the Daily Mail, the four-man shortlist includes Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, Joshua Zirkzee, and Viktor Gyokeres. Toney, who has drawn interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, appears poised to depart Brentford at the end of the season.
The potential signing of any of these players would jeopardize Jesus’ position, potentially leading to his exclusion from the team he joined to reignite his Premier League career after departing Manchester City. In recent weeks, Arsenal have filled Jesus’ absence by deploying Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz upfront, although neither player is viewed as a long-term solution in the No.9 role.
They will also seek to reinforce their midfield by targeting Martin Zubimendi, as Thomas Partey remains sidelined.
Arsenal’s struggles in attack were glaringly apparent during their 1-0 loss to Porto in the Champions League first leg of the last 16 last week. Despite dominating possession, the Gunners failed to muster a shot on target and were stunned by Galeno’s last-minute strike.
Graeme Souness and Rio Ferdinand have previously suggested that Arsenal’s pursuit of major trophies is hindered by their lack of a consistent “25-goal-man.” Liverpool boasts Mohamed Salah, who has averaged 20 goals per season over the past six years, while Manchester City benefits from Erling Haaland’s prolific scoring record, with 16 Premier League goals already this season.