Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appears to be losing faith in Gabriel Jesus, as rumors circulate that he is eyeing one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers to strengthen the squad.
Jesus has struggled to make an impact this season, failing to score in his eight appearances so far, which has only intensified concerns about his form since joining Arsenal.
When Jesus moved from Manchester City to Arsenal in the summer of 2022 for £45 million, fans were hopeful that he would become a key figure in the team.
However, his time at Arsenal has been somewhat disappointing, as he has managed to score only 19 goals in 77 appearances.
These numbers fall short of expectations, especially for a player of his quality and experience in the Premier League.
Injuries have played a major role in Jesus’ difficulties at the club.
He has been plagued by fitness issues throughout his time in north London, and this season has been no different.
Jesus has already missed two weeks due to a hamstring injury, further stalling his progress. These ongoing injury problems have led to increasing doubts about his long-term future at Arsenal.
Last summer, it seemed that Arteta was already considering his options, with rumors linking the club to several high-profile strikers, including Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško.
Despite these rumors, Arsenal ultimately chose not to pursue a marquee striker and instead focused on strengthening other areas of the squad, bringing in players like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
One of the names that has resurfaced is Benjamin Šeško, a rising star who currently plays for Red Bull Leipzig.
Interest in Šeško appeared to have cooled over the summer when he signed a new contract with Leipzig, committing to the club until 2029.
Additionally, his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024, where he failed to score in Slovenia’s four matches, led some to question his readiness for a move to a bigger club.
However, Šeško has started the current season in excellent form, scoring six goals, including a brace in a Champions League match against Juventus.
His strong performances have reignited Arteta’s interest, with reports suggesting that Arsenal is now considering making a move for the young striker in 2025.
According to TEAMtalk, discussions between Arsenal and Red Bull Leipzig have already begun regarding a potential transfer for Šeško.
It is reported that a preliminary agreement might already be in place, despite the player’s recent contract extension.
The new contract includes a £55 million release clause, and Arsenal has been informed that they would be given priority in negotiations if they meet that fee.
Šeško fits well into Arteta’s vision of building a team around young, promising talent.
At just 20 years old, the Slovenian striker is seen as a potential star for both his club and country, and his arrival could signal a shift in Arsenal’s attack for the future.
While Arteta is weighing his options for the upcoming transfer windows, the pressure is now on Jesus to prove his worth and rediscover his scoring form.
If he continues to struggle, the club may decide to move forward with a younger option like Šeško, who has the potential to be a long-term solution for Arsenal’s attacking problems.
The possibility of Šeško joining Arsenal would represent a major change in the club’s approach to their forward line, with the young striker seen as the kind of player who could lead the line for years to come.
As the January window approaches, Jesus will need to step up his performances to avoid being replaced by one of Europe’s rising stars.
