Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watch FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira. The youngster started his first-ever World Cup match with the USA national team on Saturday afternoon against Holland alongside Gunners goalkeeper Matt Turner.
It was a big opportunity for the forward to impress the Gunners’ scouts as Mikel Arteta’s side needs strengthening in the January transfer window. This has been even more emphasised in the last few days as football.london understands Gabriel Jesus had to withdraw from the Brazil World Cup squad after suffering a knee injury, and this could he’ll be out of action when club football returns.
However, Ferreira had a disappointing performance against Louis Van Gaal’s side. This was highlighted by the fact that he was substituted at half-time as he struggled to impose his presence amongst Holland’s backline.
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Despite this, the American has also shown promise. He has scored 36 goals and assisted another 21 for Dallas in 124 appearances since moving from FC Tulsa. He's an out-and-out number nine and a player for the future, which is why According to GiveMeSport, the Gunners have sent scouts to watch him.
Arsenal have been targeting the MLS in recent transfer windows with both Auston Trusty and Matt Turner joining the Gunners from the American league in the last year. Trusty was immediately loaned out, but Turner has become an important player for Arteta at Arsenal, showing that there is a pathway to the first team once a transfer is finalised.
Despite Jesus’ arrival, Edu still needs to add more firepower to Arteta’s options in the winter transfer window. Eddie Nketiah and Jesus will need more goal support throughout the season from different areas of the pitch.
Mikel Arteta has been utilising Jesus as a striker throughout the first part of the season. However, his recent comments about the new signing suggest that he also wants to use him in a different role in the wing position throughout the season.
But for the Spaniard to unlock this option, another forward must be signed to provide depth alongside Eddie Nketiah. The Gunners have been given a chance to do this by dipping into the MLS market again and signing Ferreira..
Speaking about Jesus, Arteta said: "His versatility is well known. Now we are using him as a nine. He can play as a winger, off the left and the right. You can play with two strikers as we have done in pre-season as and change the shape a little bit. He gives us a lot of flexibility."
Ferreira had the chance to impress in the World Cup but his only start in the competition was ended after 45 minutes, which potentially shows that he is not yet ready for such a huge step.
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