Arsenal targeting “extraordinary” player to succeed Gabriel Jesus in January
Gabriel Jesus’ future with Arsenal is uncertain as the club looks to refine their attacking lineup under Mikel Arteta.
Jesus returns to fitness as Berta looks for new signings
Since joining from Manchester City, Jesus has been a crucial player, though increased competition and injuries have limited his impact. The acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres has displaced Jesus from his favored center-forward position, and although the 28-year-old has recently regained fitness to make his 100th outing for the club, Arsenal may view selling him at the right moment as beneficial, especially since Jesus might not want to play a diminished role in a World Cup year.
“He’s in great shape. We’ve slowly increased his minutes,” Mikel Arteta stated following the Gunners’ Carabao Cup penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening. “But (against Palace), as long as he felt fine, everyone was content to let him continue. When we noticed fatigue, we substituted him, but we’re pleased with how he performed.” Arsenal is projected to enter the transfer market to enhance their options in January, and adding a new forward could potentially come at the expense of their current number nine.
Arsenal could part ways with Jesus to sign Semenyo
This information comes from former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who mentioned to Football Insider that Antoine Semenyo might abandon his anticipated transfer to Manchester City if Arsenal creates an opportunity for him.
“There was an intriguing rumor about Semenyo potentially joining Arsenal as a blocking transfer to prevent others from strengthening. That would certainly be interesting.
“If they were to let go of Jesus, then that could likely become reality. However, we’ve previously discussed the valuable work Arsenal has achieved by securing player contracts early, which promotes stability.
“I believe that’s one of the essential elements Arteta has emphasized: having stability within the squad. Nonetheless, if there’s an opportunity to enhance the quality in January, they might very well pursue it. It will all hinge on the terms of the deal.
“I am not sure how many live deals exist for him right now. He reportedly turned down a Spurs offer. We will have to observe where he lands. But from what I gather, Arsenal is still a possibility.”
Jesus is recognized as one of Arsenal’s top earners, with a salary of £265,000 a week, and while reports indicate that Semenyo has already passed on a substantial contract from Tottenham, the Bournemouth star would likely demand lower wages than Arsenal’s current number nine.
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With a release clause of £65m that will come into effect in January, Semenyo, who Pep Guardiola has referred to as “extraordinary” and “unbelievable”, is expected to be the most sought-after player during the winter transfer window.
Published: 2025-12-26 17:15:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
