Arteta could force Jesus into permanent new role by sealing "monster" £80m Arsenal move- opinion

Arsenal are looking to sign a striker in 2024 but where would this leave Gabriel Jesus?

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Arsenal bounced back from what appeared to be a mini-crisis last weekend with a crushing 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

The boo boys were put back in their box and criticism surrounding their strikeforce quietened down at least for a few days.

However, the sad fact of the matter is that now with just a few days left in the January window, the Gunners are yet to acquire anyone.

Even if a five goal slapping showed Mikel Arteta his team can score goals, the long-term play should be to invest in a shiny new striker.

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The idea of that happening in January has always felt unlikely unless late sales are made so it looks as though supporters will have to remain patient until the summer.

Arsenal's hunt for a new striker
Several players have been touted with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few weeks.

At one point Arsenal had submitted a bid to sign Getafe forward Borja Mayoral and they were also reportedly offered Karim Benzema on loan with his time in Saudi Arabia not satisfying the great Frenchman.

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Arsenal could sign "the best No.9 in the world" to replace Gabriel Jesus
However, there has been one constant this month and indeed in the build-up to January. Mr Ivan Toney.

The Brentford star hadn't kicked a ball all season until last Saturday's frantic clash between the Bees and Nottingham Forest. The reason? We all know it by now, but he was banned for betting offences.

Toney has worked hard to return and scored versus Forest, only piquing the interest further of those back at London Colney. Miguel Delaney of the Independent has previously claimed they "want" to do a deal. This feels very reminiscent of the Declan Rice move last summer. Edu and Co laid the groundwork in the months leading up to the summer before pouncing and sealing a £105m transfer.

As we can see, rather than Jesus being the man in the middle to receive the ball, he's acting as the provider. Well, this is something we could start seeing a lot more of if the Gunners sign a prolific centre-forward.

It's a task the 26-year-old undertook at Man City too where with Sergio Aguero charged with leading the line, Arsenal's current number 9 was used on the flanks.

It didn't happen often but he was rather prolific and has supplied ten goals from 24 outings on the right.

Gabriel Jesus: Career by position

Position

Games

Goals

Assists

G + A to game ratio

Centre-forward

255

112

49

1.5

Left wing

33

13

4

1.9

Right wing

24

8

10

1.3

Stats via Transfermarkt.

It's important to raise the point that the right flank is totally locked down by a certain Bukayo Saka but with concerns surrounding fatigue and the amount of football the dazzling winger plays, Jesus could be a great alternative.

In this scenario, everyone wins. Arsenal sign their prized centre-forward, Saka gets a rest when he needs and Jesus still finds a way to get into the team. Make it happen, Arteta.

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