Arsenal will not be deterred in their pursuit of Gabriel Jesus despite Eddie Nketiah committing his future to the Gunners.
The 23-year-old's contract was due to expire this summer but the forward has now signed a new long-term deal with the club. He and Gabriel Martinelli are the only natural No 9s in north London following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
It leaves them light in the final third with Nketiah and Martinelli, whilst being talented, lacking in experience. As a result Mikel Arteta is eyeing more firepower with Jesus seemingly their No 1 target with his days at Manchester City potentially numbered following the arrival of Erling Haaland.
Arteta worked with Jesus during his time as Pep Guardiola's assistant and the Catalan has proved that the Brazilian can operate in the same starting XI as Nketiah. The Arsenal academy graduate has long played second fiddle during his time at the Emirates but showed his quality when given a run of starts last term.
Arsenal only need to look at how effective Jesus has been for the last 12 months from a wide position to see that he and Nketiah could co-exist in an attacking line. City again played without a recognise striker for much of the season with Jesus operating from a wider role.
The Brazilian scored 13 times in all competitions last term, including a four-goal haul against Watford. Perhaps his biggest strike of the season came in a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge back in September. His second-half winner came with Jesus starting the game on the right side.
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Guardiola said previously on the Brazilian: “He’s a centre forward, he can play there, but when he is played wide he is more comfortable. We encourage him in central positions to be more open, to see the actions.”
Arsenal also saw how potent Nketiah could be when trusted to lead the line. The 23-year-old notched a brace in a vital win at Chelsea as he continued to find the net in the final weeks. Arteta was also desperate to retain the player and couldn't speak highly enough of him following the contract announcement.
He told the club's website: “I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club. We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”
