Arsenal need Mudryk REVENGE after new injury blow

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 3 Aug 2023 03:54 CDT
• 4 min read

Arsenal were struck with the worrying news on Wednesday evening that they will be without striker Gabriel Jesus for the beginning of the new Premier League season.

The Brazil international has undergone surgery for an issue that is related to the knee injury that saw him sidelined for much of the second half of last term and hindered the Gunners’ title push.

Mikel Arteta announced the news following Arsenal’s win on penalties against Monaco in the Emirates Cup after a 1-1 draw.

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“He's had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. It's not something major but he's going to be out for a few weeks,” the manager said.

Major or not, the ongoing issue poses Arteta a headache in both the short and long term. Will this be a recurring problem for Jesus in the years ahead and, most pertinent, how does he fill the gap now?

Eddie Nketiah’s goal against Monaco puts him in the picture in the short term, but to really futureproof themselves, Arsenal should be looking to dip into the transfer market for a player Chelsea are chasing.

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Wahi is the perfect Gabriel Jesus replacement

Montpellier striker Elye Wahi was one of the breakout talents in Ligue 1 last season. The 20-year-old forward netted 19 goals in 33 league games, including the Ligue 1 Goal of the Season. It is the second successive season he has struck double figures in France’s top flight.

Chelsea have dogged Arsenal constantly in the transfer market in 2023, notably stealing winger Mykhailo Mudryk away from them in January before disrupting their attempts to sign Moises Caicedo that same month. It’s time for the Gunners to gain some revenge.

Arsenal fans might, rightly, point to the fact that Folarin Balogun scored 21 times in the same competition. The USMNT star, though, needed four extra games to get those two additional goals, while only 15 of his strikes came from open play – three fewer than Wahi.

Arsenal have been seeking a fee of around €50 million for Balogun, and while the player has requested this figure be cut so he can secure a move, they could secure Wahi for a similar type of fee as the one they will receive for the Hale End graduate.

Data analytics experts SciSports show just how good Wahi is.

Not only is he of a similar standard to Gabriel Jesus was at the same age, he also plays in a similar style to the former Manchester City striker.

Wahi, meanwhile, is currently significantly superior to Balogun, suggesting that at two years younger he represents a better overall bet.

Chelsea have stalled in their pursuit of the Montpellier striker, so with Gabriel Jesus injured, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage and snap up future France international Wahi.

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