Arsenal had a fantastic season. They almost won the Premier League trophy, holding onto the top spot on the table for weeks on end before Manchester City, with a game in hand, came clawing back to win the coveted trophy. Since they were so close to tasting glory after a tough few years of being a North London fan, the club wants only the best of the best in terms of squad members for the 2024-2025 Premier League season.
So, Arteta has to make some tough decisions going forward. Does he keep the same players, or does he sell high-value players to bring in some fresh blood? It seems as though one striker may be out of favor with the gaffer and have to set his sights elsewhere to get playing time.
Arsenal Second-Rate Striker Could Leave
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Arsenal has no shortage of talented strikers, wingers, and attacking midfielders who can put the ball in the back of the net. Saka is a creative winger who often provides crucial goals and clever assists to his teammates. Odegaard is a tactician in the middle who slots passes to the strikers to finish easy shots into the side netting. Havertz has found his form this season and scored numerous key goals for his side, along with Trossard stepping in when needed to provide a spark of energy.
So, that leaves Gabriel Jesus without much room to come in and get any playing time. The ex-Manchester City player moved to Arsenal in 2022, hoping to regain the form that he lost with City when he wasn’t getting the minutes that he desired. He made a whopping 159 appearances for Pep’s club and scored 58 goals, but slowly got overlooked at the end of his time there due to new signings.
The same has happened at Arsenal. He joined in 2022 and has made 53 appearances, finding the back of the net fifteen times during his reign at the North London club. But, with new signings like Havertz, Martinelli, and Trossard, it might be time for Jesus to transfer to another football club that can provide him with more regular playing time.
Jesus Injuries Hampered Playing Time in the 2023-2024 Season
Jesus had a tough time this year finding his form, regaining confidence, and staying injury-free. When he was fit to play, he wasn’t playing as well as the other strikers who were fit, ready to go, and didn’t have any nagging injuries that could make them slower off the ball. Jesus constantly had to battle back from injury after injury, leaving him out of the starting line up for almost the entire season.
Although he is enjoying his time at Arsenal, it might not be enough for the club to keep him. He wants to keep fighting for his starting spot, but Arteta might have other ideas in mind. If Arteta does not see him as a starter, or even as a substitute who can come on and score crucial goals, there is no doubt he will sell him or loan him during the transfer window.
The Gunners are in the market for a new striker as soon as the window opens, which means that Jesus could be on the way out. Arsenal has already reportedly shown interest in big names in other leagues and teams, like Sesko in the Bundesliga and Isak at Newcastle United.
Also Read: Joao Felix Swap Deal Intensifies as Manchester United Step Foot in the Transfer Market for 2024
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
