- 20 hours ago
Arsenal plan to sign Gabriel Jesus replacement in January
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 10 Jan 2023 17:59 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal could be forced to sign a replacement for Gabriel Jesus, following the Brazilian’s injury at the World Cup.
Jesus sustained a knee injury for Brazil during their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their final group game on Friday.
The attacker has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament and is flying back to London.
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According to a number of reports in the Brazilian and English media, an MRI scan has shown that Jesus will need an operation to correct the problem.
Spor TV claims that Jesus will be out of action for three months at least.
He won’t return until March at the earliest, which is a massive blow to Arsenal’s title hopes.
Jesus has been a huge catalyst for Arsenal since his summer transfer from Manchester City.
Although he has only scored five goals, his all-round game, pressing and his link-up with teammates has been pivotal in Arsenal going top of the Premier League.
And Arsenal have very few other alternatives in the number nine position, with Eddie Nketiah the only other natural option in the squad.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal could now go into the market to sign a number nine in January.
Will Arsenal replace Jesus?
“A big blow for Arsenal as Gabriel Jesus has picked up an injury that could keep him out until January,” Romano said.
“We will see if it will affect their transfer plans, more tests are needed. I think having Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli available for that position is something important, they wanted to give full confidence to Gabriel as starter.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta does also have the option of recalling Folarin Balogun from loan in January.
Balogun is spending the season on loan at Stade Reims in Ligue 1 and has impressed with eight goals in 15 appearances.
