Arsenal have made a quick start to the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta has added four names to his squad, following the disappointment of missing out on a top four finish last season.
The likes of Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus are tasked with sparking another push for a return to the Champions League. The latter, in particular, has a lot of hopes resting on his shoulders.
Jesus joined from Manchester City for roughly £45million, easing concerns over the lack of centre-forward options at Arteta’s disposal. The Spaniard struggled to find consistent goal scoring form from that position last campaign, with Jesus hoping to alleviate that problem.
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Jesus may not only be of use there, but he could also be a key part of the Gunners landing another transfer target. football.london understands the club are still eyeing a defender and a midfielder this window, should they manage to move on some squad players.
The midfield is a particular area for both quality and depth, although a number of options have been linked, from Youri Tielemans to Ruben Neves.
However, the latest name involved with a switch to the Emirates is Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta, who is said to be eyeing a move away from the Ligue 1 club. The 24-year-old still has three years left on his deal, but has impressed since joining from AC Milan and CIES value him at £60million.
He is also a key part of the Brazil national team, where he has previously been in squads with Jesus as well as Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes. Amid the links, that trio could be given the mission of trying to convince Paqueta to join the club.
Jesus, in particular, gave a glowing review of the project under Arteta. “We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future. I believe 100 per cent in Mikel. I had a very good time with him before, he’s a very good guy and a very good coach as well," he said.
Whether that mission plays out, though, remains to be seen as further deals are expected to happen during the summer transfer window.
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