‘Arsenal pave way for blockbuster striker signing’ after shock development
Gabriel Jesus was the surprise Arsenal saviour as his three goals earned his team a place in the semi-finals of the league cup, but in the long run it might be the last thing the club needed.
The Brazilian scored his first hat-trick for the club as the Gunners beat Crystal Palace 3-2 on Wednesday (18 December).
Mikel Arteta’s side went down early on after a Jakub Kiwior error that led to Jean Phillipe-Mateta scoring within four minutes.
However, a splendid second-half performance saw the striker score three inside 26 minutes of the second half.
He took all of his goals with aplomb, with the first being a delicate chip over Dean Henderson. You wouldn’t think it’s a player that hasn’t scored in the league since last January.
Yet, the display raises questions about whether Arteta will sign a striker in the upcoming transfer window as he seemingly needs to.
Arsenal need attacking reinforcements but Mikel Arteta is split
Fans have long called for Jesus to be replaced, as his recent performances have lacked inspiration.
However, it’s not just the former Man City man underperforming. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are two more players who haven’t been prolific enough and could also face replacement.
The Gunners have failed to score from open play in their last three league matches. They haven’t dominated the opposition’s box either, registering just 13 shots in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Everton.
Reports suggest that signing a new attacker is on Arteta’s agenda, with Dusan Vlahovic once again being linked to the club. Pundits and fans alike all know that the forward position is where Arsenal are weak.
Jesus is a player who has backing from his manager, and his commitment during summer training may have initially delayed plans for a new forward.
The Spaniard previously described Jesus as someone who “changed our world” when he signed two years ago. But he has yet to score in the Premier League this season.
In the league cup, Jesus silenced some doubters by taking all his chances brilliantly, reminding fans that his career in North London isn’t over just yet, but a well-time flash of quality might now trick his manager into thinking he is covered for the rest of the campaign when the striker hasn’t proven up to it so far.
It’s now up to Arteta and the club hierarchy to decide whether to pursue a striker this January. Arsenal desperately need more attacking depth, as it’s clear they lack the same quality up front as their title rivals. A blockbuster signing who can catapult the team to the title is an absolute must.
If Jesus’ match-saving display knocks a forward down the agenda next month it may have put the Gunners closer to lifting the knock-out competition, but it may also end hopes of a first league title in two decades along the way.
That 20-goal-a-season striker could be Vlahovic, who has proven his abilities in Serie A. But will Arteta make the move?
It’s a decision that could shape the club’s future for years to come – one of the many challenges that come with being a top manager.
In other news, there is an update on whether Raheem Sterling could be leaving Arsenal.
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