Opinion: How Arsenal Can Unlock £45million Player – Serie A Star Signed and Kai Havertz Axed
Arsenal fans might still be celebrating the promising addition of Ricardo Calafiorni, but the focus remains on addressing their attacking issues to finally surpass Manchester City and secure the Premier League title.
The Gunners finished just two points behind the leaders in the 2023/24 season, and it was only the eventual champions who surpassed their league goal tally of 86.
Despite this, Mikel Arteta faces the ongoing challenge of overcoming the perception that his team lacks a clinical finisher essential for establishing themselves among the elite.
Gabriel Jesus, who arrived from City for £45 million two years ago, has yet to meet this requirement. With a record of 19 goals in 59 appearances, he has not posed a significant threat to Thierry Henry’s club record tally.
However, Jesus is not seen as a failure in north London. The Brazilian is well-regarded for his work rate and ability to create opportunities for his teammates, and only a lack of consistent goal-scoring has kept him from being considered among Europe’s top forwards.
A key task for Arteta is to maximize the potential of this Palmeiras youth product. While staying fit for extended periods would help, the manager may need to invest significantly in a new player to fully unlock the potential of Jesus.
Using Jesus as a central striker has had mixed results. His habit of dropping deep and moving wide often creates space for players like Bukayo Saka, and his link-up play is commendable.
Nevertheless, when Arsenal requires a No.9 to convert chances into goals, Jesus has often fallen short. Standing at just 5ft 7ins, his lack of physical presence means he is less suited to a more direct approach when a plan B is needed.
One ideal candidate for this situation is Victor Osimhen of Napoli. At 25 years old, Osimhen seems eager to make a move to the Premier League. Should Arsenal manage to negotiate player sales to fund his acquisition, signing the Nigerian striker would be a strategic move.
Deploying Osimhen as the central forward would enable Gabriel Jesus to operate from a wider position, particularly on the left side, allowing him to connect with the current African Player of the Year. This partnership could enhance their ability to create scoring opportunities.
Osimhen’s aerial prowess and hold-up play would provide an opportunity for his swift teammate to exploit defensive gaps, posing fresh challenges for Premier League defenders. However, this very speed might impact another significant signing, Kai Havertz, despite his gradual improvement last season.
Incorporating Jesus, Havertz, and Bukayo Saka around Osimhen in a dynamic formation similar to Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle setup may not be practical for Arsenal.
With Saka’s role being certain, manager Mikel Arteta might need to make a bold decision to limit Havertz’s involvement.
Suppressing the German player’s role could potentially allow the Brazilian forward to shine, possibly offering Arsenal a crucial advantage in their quest for the Premier League title.
In other Arsenal news, “One to Watch” – Journalist Shares Update After Alleged Arsenal Talks to Sign £147,000-p/w Ace
