Arsenal Could Sign Premier League Forward to Replace Gabriel Jesus – Report | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus Injury Forces Arsenal to Rethink Attacking Options

Gabriel Jesus’ injury blow has sent Arsenal back to the drawing board as they weigh their options in the January transfer window. With the Brazilian set to undergo surgery for a cruciate ligament injury sustained during the FA Cup clash against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta faces a crucial decision on reinforcing his attack. The loss to United on penalties was compounded by the news that Jesus could be sidelined for months, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere for attacking solutions.

Arteta’s Dilemma: Filling the Jesus Void

The Arsenal manager described the injury as a “big worry,” with the striker being in “a lot of pain.” The club’s official statement confirmed the severity of the injury and outlined the recovery plan: “Gabby will undergo surgery in the coming days and will soon begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. We will continue to keep everyone updated with Gabby’s recovery, with everyone at the club fully focused on supporting Gabby to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

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This latest setback comes at a pivotal point in Arsenal’s season. Sitting in the top four, the Gunners cannot afford to lose momentum. The injury has left Arteta with limited options up front, with Kai Havertz expected to lead the line in the immediate future. However, Arsenal fans and pundits alike are questioning whether the German has the consistency required to deliver.

Mbeumo Emerges as a Potential Solution

Among the names linked to Arsenal, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a realistic target. Arsenal insider Charles Watts told TEAMTALK that he believes Mbeumo’s versatility could make him an ideal fit. The Brentford forward has enjoyed a stellar season, netting 13 goals so far, and has shown his ability to score against top clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Arsenal.

Watts shared his thoughts on a potential move for Mbeumo: “Bryan Mbeumo is a fine player enjoying another excellent season for Brentford. Arsenal are believed to be one of a few top clubs keeping an eye on his progress, but Brentford would be very reluctant to let him go halfway through the season. It would take big, big money to get him out of west London this month.”

Photo: IMAGO

While Brentford may be hesitant to part ways with their star man, Arsenal’s need for a proven Premier League forward could push them to overpay. Watts added: “I do think he would be an excellent fit at Arsenal though, and if there was a chance to sign him this month, he would be a player that it would be worth overpaying slightly for. He knows the Premier League so would be ready to hit the ground running straight away.”

Why Mbeumo Ticks All the Boxes

Mbeumo’s ability to cover multiple positions in attack is a significant selling point for Arsenal. The Gunners already needed more cover for Bukayo Saka, and Jesus’ injury has only intensified that need. Mbeumo can play through the middle or on the wing, offering Arteta tactical flexibility.

His goalscoring record speaks for itself. Sitting behind only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland in the current Premier League scoring charts, Mbeumo has demonstrated that he can deliver against high-calibre opposition. His brace against Southampton further underlined his credentials.

In Watts’ opinion, signing Mbeumo in January would have immediate benefits: “When you sign someone in January, you really want them to be able to come in and make an impact straight away, and that’s what Mbeumo could do. There would be no acclimatisation period, and he would be arriving full of confidence, given the goals he has scored this season. I think it would be a fantastic January signing.”

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Arsenal’s Transfer Options Narrowing

Arsenal’s interest in other forwards has been met with resistance. Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, a long-term target, remains unavailable unless a significant bid is made, while Newcastle have ruled out selling Alexander Isak in January. This leaves Arsenal with limited choices and heightens the appeal of a Premier League-ready player like Mbeumo.

With Arsenal’s season entering a critical phase and a London derby against Tottenham looming, it’s imperative that Arteta finds reinforcements. The addition of Mbeumo could provide a timely boost to Arsenal’s title ambitions and offer a reliable alternative in Jesus’ absence.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, the prospect of signing Bryan Mbeumo brings both excitement and caution. On one hand, Mbeumo’s form this season has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to score crucial goals against top teams demonstrates that he is ready for the big stage. More importantly, his versatility would offer Arsenal much-needed depth across the frontline.

However, there is always a risk associated with mid-season signings. Will Mbeumo maintain his form at a bigger club under higher expectations? For Arsenal fans, the hope is that he can replicate his Brentford success at The Emirates. Given Arteta’s track record in improving players, there’s every reason to believe that Mbeumo could flourish under his guidance.

Arsenal supporters would also be eager to see how the club navigates the January window. After coming so close to Premier League glory last season, this is a pivotal moment. Investing in Mbeumo could be seen as a statement of intent – a move that signals Arsenal’s desire to go all the way this time.

Ultimately, the thought of losing Gabriel Jesus is a bitter pill to swallow. But Arsenal fans will cling to the hope that a signing like Mbeumo could keep their title hopes alive. The January window will be crucial, and all eyes are now on Edu and Arteta to deliver the right reinforcements.