The future and role of one Arsenal star has been called into question, as journalist James McNicholas has shared his verdict on the situation.
Arsenal were able to earn a vital 3-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock just before half-time, after Kai Havertz won a controversial penalty. Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice then both scored to seal the result after the break.
Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, Havertz once again impressed against the Cherries. The German has now very much established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice striker.
This has meant that Gabriel Jesus has only been handed limited game time in recent weeks. The Brazilian striker had to once again satisfy himself with a runout off the bench on Saturday.
Although he was able to provide an assist for Rice’s goal late on, Jesus has not been able to make a strong case in his recent outings that he should come back into the regular starting XI. In fact, it has now been claimed that Arsenal are open to offers for Jesus.
The £45 million former Manchester City man has endured a difficult campaign in front of goal, having only netted four times in the Premier League, and has once again been hampered by lingering effects of the knee injury that he picked up mid-way through last season.
What next for Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal?
Now James McNicholas has expanded on what he feels the future may hold for the 27-year-old forward.
Speaking on the Arsecast Extra podcast, the reporter said: “My personal opinion, I’d kind of like to see him stay. If we can get him fitter, more available, I think he’s a brilliant player. I’m sure Mikel Arteta thinks that as well.
“If I’m completely honest with you, I’m a little dubious as to who would buy Jesus right now, with some of the concerns over his knee, but you never know. You never know.
“I think if an offer did arrive then the club would certainly listen to it…I really think a fit and firing Gabriel Jesus is very possibly in out best XI.”
How can Mikel Arteta still get the best out of Gabriel Jesus?
There is no denying that, at his best, Jesus has plenty to offer the Gunners. With his flair, dynamism, and pressing ability, he can make life incredibly difficult for opposition defenders. However, if his knee complaint means that he may never return to the levels he showed shortly after his arrival at the Emirates Stadium, then his £265,000-a-week salary is a major problem.
In these circumstances, though, finding a buyer will be tricky, as McNicholas suggests. In that case, Arteta must be prepared to find a new primary role for Jesus.
The 64-cap Brazil international has plenty of experience of playing on the flanks, and it could be that he is able to provide valuable back up and competition for the likes of Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Saka.
If he isn’t required to start week in, week out, and the burden of goalscoring is lessened by virtue of not leading the line, then Jesus could still shine and make a valuable contribution.