Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has told Arsenal exactly why they should sign Gabriel Jesus, despite questions over the forward’s “killer instinct” in front of goal. It comes as the Manchester City star has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer.
Mikel Arteta is said to be in the market for a striker at the end of the season, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah set to leave as free agents. This leaves academy graduate Folarin Balogun as the only recognised centre-forward option at the club.
The Spaniard has gone on record already to discuss the need for a forward in the transfer market. “Now is the moment we have to raise the quality. We need one who puts the ball in the net, that’s priority number one. Any successful team needs enough goal threat in the squad," said Arteta.
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While the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Darwin Nunez, Alexander Isak, Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to the Emirates, Jesus joins the long list of potential options. The Brazilian’s contract at the Etihad runs until 2023, and with the Qatar World Cup at the end of the year, he could need more game time to guarantee a place on the plane.
Since the reports began to circulate over where his future may lie, the 25-year-old has scored five goals in two games, including a four-goal haul against Premier League strugglers Watford. However, despite that, the striker’s ability to ruthlessly score goals has been questioned.
Former United striker Saha believes that Jesus hasn’t been given a run as a No. 9, while praising his hard work. Speaking to Gambling Deals, he said: “Sometimes he’s been criticised because he doesn’t have the ‘killer instinct’, something that Ruud van Nistelrooy had, or (Robert) Lewandowksi and all those players. He’s been working hard for other players, but this is the style of Manchester City. He’s maybe not as deadly as some of the world’s best, but he can improve.
"If he works hard in front of goal. (Currently), the emphasis is on him to link play, be very diverse, going left or right, because that’s what City need. They need a lot of movement and he’s not really been able to play as a No. 9.”
Whether he will make the move to North London remains to be seen, however his style seems suited to that of Arteta. He could be a huge player for the future, if they manage to land him now.
