Arsenal have already added two competitive options to the squad during this January transfer window. Mikel Arteta spoke of the importance of not wasting windows and it appears that the Gunners are determined not to waste this one.
Leandro Trossard has arrived to strengthen the forward line whereas Jakub Kiwior has bolstered the left centre-half role with only Gabriel Magalhaes previously available for the natural role. Arsenal though do not seem to be done and links to Ivan Fresneda persist.
That said, the forward line continues to be a point of discussion for many with Trossard’s versatility an asset although he has typically played on the left for Brighton. Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli are other options for the left flank, but the opposite side looks barer.
READ MORE: Leandro Trossard ‘deserves’ Arsenal transfer but Mikel Arteta warned of possible Brighton repeat
Reiss Nelson is currently injured and faces persistent questions when fit if he can competitively support Saka. Meanwhile, summer signing Marquinhos is in need of a loan and regular minutes at the senior level to prove the club invested smartly.
The likelihood is that Arsenal won't be brining in another competitive forward before the window closes. But perhaps the option has already been signed by Edu and Arsenal?
Having not played since before the World Cup, Gabriel Jesus remains injured and recovering from knee surgery. An expected timeframe continues to allude Mikel Arteta in press conferences but there have been reported suggestions the Brazilian could be back in late February to early March.
Jesus was a versatile asset whilst at Manchester City despite playing exclusively as a striker while at Arsenal. In his absence, Eddie Nketiah has come in and done brilliantly well.
So well in fact that were Jesus to return tomorrow, it is unlikely he’d immediately take his spot back. This is where his route back to the action might take into account his versatile character and provide Bukayo Saka an opportunity to rest and rotate.
In the summer, Jesus’ debut against Nurnberg came playing to the right of Nketiah and in minutes he’d scored his first Arsenal goal. Jesus can certainly operate on the right and there’s a strong possibility that the 25-year-old will in fact contribute to Arteta’s wide options between the time of his return and the end of the season.
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