Mikel Arteta has backed Gabriel Jesus to get his Arsenal career back on track this season.
The Gunners were urged by many pundits to sign a new striker this summer in the hope of closing the gap on Manchester City, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney among those linked.
However, the Emirates Stadium outfit have opted against bringing in a new No. 9, with Kai Havertz’s good form in the closing stages of last season prompting a change of heart in north London.
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Though it is not only the German international capable of leading the line for Arsenal, Jesus is also in the frame. The Brazilian international has struggled over the past 12 months as he has been attempting to recover from knee surgery, preventing him from playing regularly and thus getting truly up to speed.
But Arteta believes that the ex-City star is capable of playing a key role in his side’s title charge this season. Asked if Jesus can compete with Havertz for the striker spot in his system, Arteta said: “100 per cent.
“One of the biggest things in this sport is mental toughness. Kai showed an unbelievable one.
“And when you are surrounded by people who love you, wanting to put in everything that they can to help you and make you better, and people are little bit patient as well, and you see that that person is so willing after everything he’s doing.
“Gabi looks like he really wants it so that’s the best start.”
Arteta also shut down speculation that his side were in the market for a new No. 9 in the closing stages of the transfer window, saying: “We have great strikers already, we have a great attacking line.”
Jesus has looked sharp in pre-season for Arsenal, and he will be hoping that he can prove his worth this weekend when the Gunners take on Wolves in their opening match of the season. If the 27-year-old and Havertz are both unavailable at stages of the season, Arteta can lean on both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli to play as makeshift strikers. Eddie Nketiah is also in the frame, though the academy graduate is expected to leave his boyhood club in the coming weeks.
