Arsenal make transfer contact with Matheus Cunha’s teammate who is as prolific as Alexander Isak

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Time is running out for Arsenal to strengthen their forward line this January, although their efforts appear to have stepped up a notch.

The Gunners’ squad is looking threadbare in attacking areas, with Bukayo Saka ruled out until March and Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury.

The fit options in Mikel Arteta’s offensive cohort aren’t firing, as Kai Havertz has been criticised by fans, and Raheem Sterling has also been berated by the Arsenal faithful.

Matheus Cunha has been linked with Arsenal, while the likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic have also been mooted as potential transfer targets.

However, Arteta could look for a more niche and potentially more economically viable option to strengthen his squad in this window.

Arsenal make contact with Botafogo’s Igor Jesus

Arsenal have looked to exploit their contacts in South America under Edu Gaspar’s stewardship in the past, acquiring the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Marquinhos for minimal fees from Brazil.

While the sporting director is now on gardening leave, it looks as though he may have set the wheels in motion for one final addition from his home nation.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal have made contact with Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, with an understanding that the Brazilian Serie A club are demanding in the region of €30 million for their number nine.

It’s said that Botafogo may be willing to sanction Jesus’ departure as they’re currently in their off-season.

However, the 23-year-old has little to no experience at the highest level, and Arsenal will have to weigh up whether he moves the needle for them for the rest of this season, or whether he’s more of a long-term signing.

The Gunners may refrain from adding Jesus to their ranks right now for a hefty price if they don’t feel he can hit the ground running in English football immediately.

Jesus has netted eight goals in 31 appearances for Botafogo this season, but enjoyed a prolific campaign for Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE Pro League last term, matching another Arsenal target Alexander Isak’s 17-goal return from 2023/24.

The productive forward has been capped by the Brazilian national team four times, and has been selected ahead of Cunha for the Selecao in recent squads.

• READ MORE: Who is Igor Jesus? Arsenal transfer target’s position, age, club career and more

Igor Jesus’ statistics could tempt Arsenal into offer

While his output in Brazil hasn’t been exceptional, the underlying numbers indicate that Jesus may be about to explode onto the scene.

Managing 3.59 shots per 90 minutes, and accumulating 0.42 expected goals per 90, the Botafogo man is clearly a striker that lives inside the opposition penalty area and focuses on getting on the end of chances.

However, he’s not limited to purely operating inside the box, demonstrating impressive creative attributes, evidenced by his numbers in this area.

The question marks over his ability to slot in seamlessly to Arteta’s system are around his defensive acumen, and whether he possesses the pressing capabilities to fit the Spaniard’s defensively resolute style of play.

How this data translates to English football remains to be seen and is certainly the most risky aspect of a potential deal.