Arsenal considering including Gabriel Jesus in swap deal to sign long-term target: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly willing to use Gabriel Jesus to try and lure Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. They are keen on signing a striker to bolster their attack and see the Serie A star as the ideal fit.

As per a report in Italian outlet Spazio (via FourFourTwo), Vlahovic has been chosen once again by Mikel Arteta. The club were also linked with the Serbian in 2022 before he joined Juventus from Fiorentina. The Spaniard sees the striker as the ideal fit for his system at the club, and the Gunners are ready to make a move in January.

The Gunners believe they can offer the Brazilian star as make-weight for the striker. The report comes just hours after Tony Cascarino hit out at the former Manchester City star. He said on talkSPORT:

“When he and Zinchenko first arrived, there was considerable optimism surrounding them. Their experience from a successful club was exactly what Arsenal needed. However, the longer he stays with us, the poorer he seems to get. His form has certainly dipped.”

“Injuries and time spent on the bench can affect a player’s confidence and rhythm. He appears erratic, especially for a player of his caliber who has achieved so much. The criteria for forwards nowadays is their clinical finishing, and he simply hasn’t been clinical enough for us, particularly in the past year,”

Gabriel Jesus has scored just 20 goals for Arsenal since joining from Manchester City in 2022. He has played 89 matches for the Gunners and has assisted just 17 goals.

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Mikel Arteta still backing Gabriel Jesus to do well at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has refused to give up on Gabriel Jesus and said that the striker will get better at Arsenal. He believes that the Brazilian needs a bit of luck going his way and said (via Footboom):

"There’s nothing to worry about; it's merely about getting him in front of goal, like he did today on a couple of occasions. He was very close, just millimetres from scoring. He was lively, created the first goal through good movement, and that's the Gabriel we want back. I have no doubt he will be valuable to the team.”

"We bear a significant responsibility. While I can’t physically play, our aim is to coach them effectively. Sometimes, players need to take a step back mentally, focusing less on what we’ve instructed. Our goal is to equip them with the right information and tools for them to read the defence and understand the goalkeeper.

"These elements are crucial to their execution in matches. Nevertheless, it’s no easy feat; however, they undoubtedly have the talent to thrive."

Arteta prefers Kai Havertz as his main striker at the Emirates after the German was signed from Chelsea in 2023.