Arsenal set to be rivaled by Chelsea and one other PL side for Brazil international: Reports

Arsenal are set to face competition from fellow London clubs Chelsea and Fulham for the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Jesus. The 23-year-old, who plays for Botafogo in the Brazilian Serie A, has had a solid season so far, which has attracted interest from several clubs.

The Gunners have had an inconsistent start to the campaign and are currently in fourth place in the Premier League, already nine points behind leaders Liverpool. Part of their struggles have been in front of goal as they have scored only 18 goals in their first 11 matches.

While Kai Havertz has been in decent form, many fans and pundits have claimed that Mikel Arteta's team needs a natural number nine to improve their fortunes. As a result, the Gunners have been linked with players like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Igor Jesus, according to Fichajes.

Jesus began his career at Coritiba in Brazil but rose to prominence with UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli FC. After scoring 17 goals and providing four assists last season, he moved to Botafogo in the summer of 2024, where he has netted eight goals in 24 appearances so far. His performances have earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team, for whom he has scored and assisted once in three appearances.

Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, have also shown interest in Jesus. According to TBR Football, both Fulham and Chelsea have entered the race for the young forward. Botafogo could reportedly demand around £30m for Jesus, who is under contract until 2027.

Chelsea, despite having a number of forwards, have been linked with a striker to compete alongside Nicolas Jackson. Therefore, they may be interested in Jesus, whose value is rising. Meanwhile, Fulham, who have three strikers in their squad - Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius, and Rodrigo Muniz - may see Jesus as an upgrade over their current options, considering his age and potential.

Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal’s ability to compete for the Premier League title

Arsenal have had an underwhelming start to the 2024-25 campaign as they are currently winless in their last four Premier League matches. However, Mikel Arteta remains confident that his team has the ability to compete, despite the significant points gap with leaders Liverpool.

Speaking after another disappointing result against Chelsea (1-1), the Spanish manager expressed confidence in his squad. However, he also acknowledged that injuries have been costly and believes that the team could return to their best once key players are back after the international break.

"What I am just praying is that after the international break I have the team fully equipped physically, they are available and they are fit because it has been an absolute nightmare for eight weeks. So I’m just asking that because the team, the desire that they have and how much we want it, there’s no question about that. So, it’s going to come, we just need that on our side to be able to be more consistent," he said (via Arsenal's official website).

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures include a game against the high-flying Nottingham Forest, followed by a clash with Sporting CP in the Champions League. They will then travel to face West Ham United, before a crucial battle against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.