Mikel Arteta urged to make major Gabriel Jesus change after Brazil demand revealed

Gabriel Jesus has revealed that Brazil boss Fernando Diniz wants Mikel Arteta to play the 26-year-old at striker more often. The Brazil international has been played on the wing in his last three appearances for the Gunners.

Injuries to Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka have forced Arteta into rotating his attack in recent weeks. Jesus was brought to the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal's new focal point at striker - but his versatility allows him to cover all areas of the attack.

The Brazilian forward has netted three times in nine appearances across all competitions so far this season - all coming when he has played as a striker. The Gunners are rumoured to be interested in signing Brentford star Ivan Toney in January - a move which could see Jesus move out wide on a permanent basis.

However, it appears that the Brazil manager would prefer Arteta to deploy Jesus as a No.9 consistently instead. Speaking during the international break, Jesus revealed Diniz's demand for him to play at striker more often - something Arteta has not done in recent weeks.

"At Palmeiras, I did it a lot [played at striker]," Jesus told reporters. "I think it was the club I did it at the most, when I started playing more centrally.

"I played as a centre-forward, very loose and doing the 'facão'. That’s where I did it the most.

"The first thing Diniz said when I came in for the other call-up was that he wanted to see Gabriel from Palmeiras, from City," Jesus added. The Brazil manager has sent a clear demand to Arteta with his comments about Jesus' best position but it is unclear whether it will have an impact on where he plays for Arsenal moving forward.

Martinelli's return to action - along with Bukayo Saka - could see Jesus return to striker with Eddie Nketiah dropping to the bench.

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