In the merry go round of transfer rumour, the speculation on Arsenal’s striker targets was always going to be near the top of the media’s agenda. The fact that Aubameyang was allowed to leave and is scoring for fun at Barca and Lacazette and Nketiah, both of whom are out of contract in June, and are certainly not scoring, makes the attacking department at the Emirates a real story.
It would be a brave punter to bet on who that centre forward or forwards might be, though you may find some options here, with so many options being touted. Certainly, Dominic Calvert Lewin fits the bill for many but Canadian star Jonathan David, who seems likely to quite Ligue 1 and Arteta is said to favour him as well as Real Sociedad’s Swedish star, Aleksander Isak are also linked. Of the three, David looks the likeliest to be in Arsenal’s price bracket, with Isak’s release clause set so high and Everton under no pressure to sell their star (when fit) man.
All three do fit the more mobile focal point and each is at the right age and profile for Edu and Arteta. This seems to have seen Arsenal target players with huge potential, willing to be coached at Arsenal to the next level and to reach their peak in North London. Interestingly however, a new name has been thrown into the hat by former England and United legend Rio Ferdinand. I am not sure whether the BT Sports pundit is serious or perhaps trying to wind up the fans of his old rivals Man City, but Ferdinand feels Arsenal should make a bold move for Gabriel Jesus.
In the summer, the Brazilian star will only have a year remaining on a contract, and there has been little talk of talks on a new deal. Ferdinand’s contention is that Jesus will be well suited to Arsenal and of course is well-known to his former coach, Arteta, are interesting. Particularly, considering the player, for so long understudy Aguero, must have been expecting a major role, only to find himself still a bit part player in a Pep Guardiola system utilising a False 9, and no recognised striker.
When he is called on, which is still often, although mostly from the bench GJ is obviously still a genuine goal threat and again at 24, at the perfect age, as the main man somewhere to progress to the next level. Why should this not be at Arsenal, a team in dire need of a central striker come the summer. Arsenal will almost certainly offer a European stage and regular action to a player who will wanted to be pushing his name back into the Brazil World Cup reckoning.
A move to a top club for regular football in his preferred position might prove alluring to Jesus who, as this article in the Manchester press suggests has been used more out wide by his current club in 21/22.
Our major reservation would be, whether he can hold up and link play in our system. What say you Gooners?
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