Arsenal striker news: Agbonlahor issues ‘£100,000-a-week’ Gabriel Jesus replacement claim
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Arsenal will settle for a top-four finish this season after Gabriel Jesus underwent surgery for a knee injury.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Gunners shouldn’t have handed Eddie Nketiah a bumper new contract if he isn’t able to replace the 25-year-old.
As confirmed by Arsenal club media (22 December), Jesus has undergone knee surgery after picking up an injury while playing for Brazil at the World Cup.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker will be out for “some time” and refused to place a timeframe on his return.
Jesus has started every Premier League game so far this season, scoring five goals and registering six assists.
Nketiah, who signed a new five-year deal in the summer which nets him a reported £100,000-a-week, is yet to score in the league so far this term.
When asked if Arsenal can cope without Jesus, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Connor Whitley: “It’s going to be difficult, but it’s possible.
“Eddie Nketiah has got to step up now. He’s getting paid £100,000-a-week. He’s got to repay that faith by banging in the goals until Jesus is back.
“Arsenal shouldn’t have given him that money if he wasn’t good enough to step up and be their main striker if needed.
“I’m sure he will provide some really important goals. I think Man City will win the league anyway, but just being in that fight for the league will give you a top-four place.
“I think Arsenal would be happy with that.”
In other news, pundit claims Arsenal could accept £90m Bukayo Saka offer after new source reveal.