Mikel Arteta fears it will be “impossible” for Arsenal to replace Gabriel Jesus but will consider playing Gabriel Martinelli as a striker as he searches for alternative solutions.
Jesus injured his knee during the World Cup playing for Brazil and is set to be out for around three months after undergoing surgery.
Arsenal want to bolster their forward line during the January transfer window and they are in talks with Shakhtar Donestk over a deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Arteta has confirmed Arsenal are looking at new signings, but he has also added how Martinelli could play fill in during Jesus’ absence.
“It’s a huge blow for us, obviously. [Jesus] is such an important player, he's brought something very different to the team and it's impossible to replace him,” said Arteta.
“But we have other players, other alternatives and we'll try to get that sorted. The transfer window is another option.
“I think [Jesus] is a unique player but Eddie [Nketiah] has incredible qualities as well for the way we want to play.
“We have other alternatives in that we can play Martinelli up front as well. We are currently a little bit short in terms of up-front positions but getting Emile [Smith Rowe] back is going to be a big one.”
Arsenal enjoyed a brilliant first half of the season before the World Cup break, building up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The pressure is now on the Gunners to maintain their fine start, but Arteta is not getting carried away by talk of winning the title.
“We have to take it game by game,” Arteta told Arsenal's club website. “Football changes so quickly and what is very good can be very different in a week's time.
“But we know our reality. We know what we are capable of. We deserve the position that we're in right now. Now, we have to do the same for the next 24 matches and that's a big challenge considering the level in this league.
“We have had some very important additions since last season. We have had another year together. It was my first full pre-season since I've been in charge here because of the two years of Covid. So that was really helpful.
“But it's been game-changing to have people back in our stadium. Our people have been incredibly supportive and connected to our team. That has put our team in a different dimension.”
