Five transfer replacements for Jesus to keep Arsenal title bid alive

Suraj Radia

• 5 Dec 2022 17:24 GMT
• 4 min read

Arsenal may dip into the transfer market this January after the news that Gabriel Jesus will be out of action for around three months with a knee injury he suffered with Brazil at the World Cup.

The devastating news leaves Arsenal short-handed up front going into the second half of the season, with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli the only senior players capable of filling in as a striker.

With the Gunners pushing for the Premier League title, they may look towards signing a new player in the same mould as Jesus to replacing his pressing, goalscoring and all-around attacking play.

FootballTransfers takes a look at five options that Arsenal could consider in January, picked using the data-driven SciSports algorithm which takes into account the playstyle of Jesus and the closest alternatives to him.

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Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

Lautaro Martinez has improved year-on-year since joining Inter in 2018, netting 21 goals in Serie A last season and seven in 15 appearances this time around.

However, while Martinez has proven European pedigree, Arsenal may be put off by his recent performances and he has been relegated to the bench in Argentina’s last two World Cup games, having failed to score in four games in Qatar.

With Martinez likely to command a record fee, his form of just one goal in his last ten for club and country could be considered too risky for a mid-season signing, particularly when Arsenal need someone to hit the ground running.

FootballTransfers valuation: €84m

Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen

Patrik Schick had something of a breakout season for Bayer Leverkusen last year, netting 24 goals in 27 Bundesliga games and finishing joint-top scorer at Euro 2020 with the Czech Republic.

Leverkusen have declined this season and sit mid-table and Schick has failed to replicate his form from last year, scoring just two goals in 11 games and on a barren run since September.

Despite his poor form, Schick could offer a cheaper option to Arsenal and, at 6 foot 3 inches, would be a difficult target man for defences to deal with off the bench, even when Jesus is back.

FootballTransfers valuation: €37m

Ivan Toney (Brenford)

Despite scoring 22 Premier League goals for Brentford since the start of last season, Ivan Toney missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad and the 26-year-old may be thinking the time has come to move to a bigger club.

For Arsenal, an affordable Premier League-proven striker could be the best option to replace Jesus, as well as signing a player with a reputation for delivering in big moments and big games.

There may be concerns, however, over Toney’s recent charge for gambling by the FA, which could see him suspended for a significant period of time, meaning any transfer would likely be on hold until the situation is resolved.

FootballTransfers valuation: €35m

Tammy Abraham (Roma)

Tammy Abraham has shown impressive development since joining Roma from Chelsea in 2021 and the 25-year-old scored 27 goals in all competitions last season.

However, like some other players on the list, Abraham has suffered a decline in form this season, scoring just three goals in 15 Serie A appearances.

Roma are also unlikely to consider selling Abraham for a small fee despite his poor form, making a transfer difficult, but the England international’s pressing ability and physical traits could still make him a good option should Arsenal look to bring him back to the Premier League.

FootballTransfers valuation: €61m

Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach)

If Arsenal are looking for a man in form, they may not find many better than Marcus Thuram, particularly if they also want value for money.

The 25-year-old has ten goals and three assists in 15 games for Borussia Monchengladbach this season and is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could be available for a nominal fee.

Thuram has also featured regularly as a substitute for France in Qatar and, as a player who can play up front or out wide, his versatility, goal record and price tag make his signing a no brainer for Arsenal.

FootballTransfers valuation: €8m