Arsenal could now have a huge decision to make as one Saudi Arabian club are believed to be keen on signing Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal have reached something of a crossroads with Gabriel Jesus.
No one can doubt the Brazilian’s remarkable talent. At his best, he is utterly dazzling, and able to conjure a magic moment out of seemingly nothing. However, he certainly has his flaws as a player, and his injury record is a cause for concern.
Last season, the striker managed just four Premier League goals. Whilst Jesus has promised Arsenal fans that he will strive to become more prolific, he is unlikely to ever be an elite goalscorer.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add another striker to his ranks this summer. Arsenal have already tried to sign Benjamin Sesko, and will likely pivot to an alternative target, having missed out on the Slovenian.
Given the potential arrival of another forward, and Kai Havertz’s successful run in the side as a striker last season, it is hard to see where Jesus might feature in Arteta’s plans. Given his £265,000-a-week wages, which make him the second-highest earner at the club, the Gunners can’t afford for the former Manchester City man to become a rotation option.
Arsenal were said to be open to offers for Jesus earlier this summer, and such an approach for his services now looks to be on its way.
Al-Ahly eyeing up move for Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus
According to Saudi Arabian publication Arriyadiyah, Al-Ahly are now lining up moves for Jesus and Tottenham Hotspur ace Richarlison. The Brazilian duo have been identified as potential replacements for Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saudi Arabian clubs have shown in recent windows that they aren’t afraid to exploit their wealth in order to get a deal over the line, meaning that Jesus’ current wages are unlikely to prove a stumbling block.
If Al-Ahly come forward with a concrete offer, Arteta must accept that now is the time to cash in on Jesus. His departure would certainly mean that the Arsenal squad loses something, but his limitations as a player have become clear, and his exit could help to fund an upgrade to take his place.
Of course, all of this is dependent upon whether the 27-year-old would be willing to accept such a move himself. It would mean stepping down to a lower standard of football just as he is entering what ought to be his peak years. However, that may be preferable to a campaign spent as a bench option for the Gunners, which is what he is likely in line for unless he can get back to his best form quickly.
rsenal transfer updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Reiss Nelson & Emile Smith Rowe as pre-season begins
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
