Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus had a very difficult evening against West Ham, missing two close-range headers that should have gotten the Gunners back into the game.
It is symptomatic of a player who simply isn’t a natural finisher. This campaign, the Brazilian has hit the back of the net just three times in the Premier League, following on from the 11 he scored last season.
The majority of fans on X firmly believe that if Arsenal are to become champions, they will need to replace Jesus with a top-drawer forward:
He cannot take Arsenal anywhere
— Ugochukwu Martins (@Hugochukwu0147) December 28, 2023
How many chances does he need!! This is why he's not the answer to lead our line!!! Need a lethal striker..
— VR (@afc_vr) December 28, 2023
We have a striker who doesn’t score goals
— Freedom Fighter #KBF #ImDone (@againstNWO123) December 28, 2023
We need a nine to convert those chances
— Låzårø⚡️ (@heislazaro) December 28, 2023
He must play as a winger start Nketiah through the middle it's better until we buy another striker
— TheFootBallStation (@thefootbalst) December 28, 2023
Jesus will lead us no where.
— TONYCHUKWUNONSO (@TONYCHUKWUNONSO) December 28, 2023
We need to ship him cause he's not that guy
— Sigi (@sigiekeh) December 28, 2023
Will Arteta drop Jesus?
It’s unlikely that the 26-year-old will be benched any time soon. His understudy Eddie Nketiah is not deemed good enough to be a regular starter.
Besides his goals, Jesus is excellent in build-up play so, if they are to replace him, you would have to think that it will be for someone who can not only score goals but can replicate all the other things he does as well.
Who could Arsenal target as a replacement?
The Gunners are known to be keeping close tabs on Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian does have a €130m (£113m) release clause but it’s unlikely that it will be triggered during the January transfer window.
Financial Fair Play means that Mikel Arteta’s side would have to raise significant funds through player sales if they want to bring in Osimhen next month.
Alternatives, such as Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, would be cheaper but they would still cost in the region of £60m to £80m.
