Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Bailey Keogh

Gabriel Jesus justifies Edu choice to save £55m as Mikel Arteta Arsenal stance proves a blessing

Arsenal seemed to solve their striker problems in the summer transfer window by signing Gabriel Jesus for £45m. The Brazilian has been excellent in leading the line for the Gunners and is a major reason why the north London side currently sit at the top of the Premier League table.

Despite this, links have resurfaced between Arsenal and Dusan Vlahovic. According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, the Gunners are monitoring the striker and could make a move for him in January.

However, the difference in holdup play between Jesus and Vlahovic on the weekend highlighted why the Gunners must avoid a deal for the Serbian. His mistake proved pivotal for his side, while Jesus led the line in an impactful 3-2 victory for the Gunners.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta can secure Arsenal's Granit Xhaka heir if Edu green lights a simple contract clause

Vlahovic's Juventus lost 2-0 to a rampant AC Milan side. The Serbian striker played a major part in the Old Lady conceding the second goal as his poor pass after trying to hold up the ball was intercepted by Brahim Diaz, who then went on a mazy run to score a goal.

Meanwhile, Jesus played a pivotal part in Arsenal's statement victory against Liverpool. He won the deciding penalty that put the Gunners ahead in the final 10 minutes of the match.

The report from Italian news outlet Calciomercato goes on to claim that Edu is set to try and make up for the missed opportunities of signing a central midfielder and forward in the summer by plotting a £100million double transfer swoop for Juventus stars Vlahovic and Fabio Miretti. However, Arteta has already revealed why Vlahovic will not become an Arsenal player.

In 2020, Mikel Arteta said in an interview with Ian Wright that he should not have to do too much convincing for a player to join Arsenal otherwise, he would not sign them, and with so much reluctance on Vlahovic's end previously, he is going against what the Spaniard claimed.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Vlahovic in January, but he eventually made the switch to Juventus over Arsenal. After the snub, Arteta appeared to take a swipe at the Serbia international, stating: "We only want the best people and the best players at this club, and when we are in a rush or different pressures, and the reasons are not the right ones to get a player on board, we decided not to do it."

Jesus has taken Arsenal to another level which is why Arteta's side currently sit at the top of the Premier League after nine fixtures. The Brazilian is the perfect striker for the team, and not signing Vlahovic is proving to be a blessing in disguise, which the events of the last domestic fixtures proved.

READ NEXT:

William Saliba can get dream shirt number and join core group if new Arsenal contract is signed

Mikel Arteta completes two-year Arsenal Premier League mission as Liverpool take backwards step

What Ben White did to Luis Diaz as Gabriel Martinelli leads Arsenal mentality shift

Tierney reclaims role, Gabriel rested, Nelson and Cedric start - Arsenal changes vs Bodo/Glimt

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.