Injuries were always going to hit Arsenal eventually this season, yet news surrounding Gabriel Jesus could force the Gunners into signing a replacement in the January transfer window.
According to sportv, the Brazilian international could face as long as three months out on the treatment table, with Jesus now already back in London for further scans having picked up a knee injury whilst on duty with the South American giants at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Indeed, Jesus being ruled out for three months is a thought many Arsenal fans will dread to think about, with the striker a main reason behind the Gunners’ incredible form this season and playing a major role in the exciting development of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Whilst Eddie Nkeitah could thrive from the opportunity, the England youth star remains Arsenal’s only backup striker beyond Jesus, so here are three players who Arteta could sign in January as a replacement for the 25-year-old superstar in the January window.
Marcus Thuram
Marcus Thuram is a wanted man heading into 2023, with the Borussia Monchengladbach stat set to leave the Bundesliga side with the forward’s contract coming to an end in the summer. And Arsenal could use this incredible opportunity to land a potential bargain.
With 13 goals in all competitions this season, Thuram has been one of Europe’s best attackers this campaign. And with Arsenal one of the reported sides interested in signing the France international, Arteta could work his magic to bring the 25-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.
Fast, athletic and dangerous in the penalty box, Thuram could be the perfect replacement for Jesus if the Arsenal man is indeed out for three months. And with Gladbach looking for as little as £6m for their star striker, Arteta should strongly consider a move for the Parma-born forward.
Moussa Dembele
Another player Arsenal have been linked with over the years is Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele, who just like Thuram, is set to leave his current club in 2023, with the 26-year-old’s contract due to expire in the summer transfer window.
Much like Thuram, Lyon are keen to sell Dembele in January rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season. And with Arsenal already being linked with the forward over the past few years, a move for the former Celtic man makes a lot of sense in January.
A regular scorer of goals and a player who could be comfortable sitting on the bench once Jesus returns, Dembele has many qualities that will stick out for Arteta and Edu Gaspar if the duo decide to move for a striker in January, with the Lyon star another bargain option.
Olivier Giroud
If there was ever a player Arsenal needed now, it would be someone like Olivier Giroud. So why not go in for the very man himself, who this winter has made history by becoming France’s all-time record goalscorer, replacing north London legend Thierry Henry.
Giroud might be 36-years-old, but the France star is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon, with the forward impressing for AC Milan over the past two seasons and still looking fitter than ever on the pitch. And Arsenal should at least consider the veteran.
Indeed, the forward was the perfect striker during his Arsenal days when Arsene Wenger’s side were chasing the game and looking for some magic off the bench. And as a replacement for Jesus, few strikers can come close to the impact Giroud could make from the sidelines.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
