Arsenal have been linked with a new striker. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal can save millions on a new striker this summer by keeping faith with Gabriel Jesus to put a disappointing 2023/24 season behind him in his third year at the club. The Gunners have been linked with big-money deals for the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, but they may be better off leaving those targets to their rivals.
Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to bolster his attacking power this summer as he looks for ways to finally leapfrog Manchester City for the Premier League title.
But Jesus has helped Arsenal rise from the depths of the European places to title contenders after he could be the same as a new signing if he shows improvement this season.
Arsenal signed the 27-year-old striker from City for £45million in 2022, and he has scored 11 goals in 26 Premier League appearances in his debut season.
However, he managed just four of those 27 games in the 23/24 season, and he lost his status as Arteta's first-choice option to Kai Havertz, who joined last summer from Chelsea for £65million.
Arsenal scored 91 league goals last season but have reportedly identified another new striker as one of their summer targets.
Jesus has played a big role in pre-season, including against AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United and scoring in Sunday's 2-1 win over the latter in Los Angeles.
Gabriel Jesus has overcome his injury problems. (Image: Getty)
If he can rediscover the form of his debut campaign at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta's attacking options will be significantly strengthened.
The Spaniard has been impressed with Jesus' form in Arsenal's preparations, saying he has “turned things around” this summer.
“He [Jesus] “He looks really good, he looks really sharp. He changed a lot of things over the summer, and he's come back fully fit,” Arteta explained.
“When you have that base, other things can be built, but without that foundation we don't have a player, and he has to be in that condition to get the best out of himself.
“He realized it and I'm really happy with what he showed again today.
“You can see in his eyes, the way he moves, and you can see in his eyes that there's a spark in there.”
Jesus appears to have overcome his injury problems, leaving Arteta with two main strikers who cost a combined £110m and removing the need for a new addition.
Osimhen and Toney are interesting options, but the transfer fees involved represent risks Arsenal do not need to take.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1929608/Arsenal-transfer-news-Chelsea-comment