Gabriel Jesus insists he is not fazed by the reports that Arsenal want to sign a new striker, though admitted ‘it’s not easy’ watching someone else play up top for the Gunners.
The forward has had a mixed time since swapping Manchester City for Arsenal in 2022, with injuries hampering his impact at the Emirates.
Knee and hamstring problems have caused him to miss 14 games this season and seen his output in the Premier League fall to just four goals and three assists so far, though he has fared better in the Champions League.
Furthermore, the sensational form of Kai Havertz means that Jesus has either been dropped from the XI or shunted out onto the wing rather than being allowed to play in his preferred centre-forward role.
His lack of goals was often cited as a potential threat to the Gunners’ title bid, and as a result there is much speculation that Mikel Arteta wants to sign a new striker come the summer.
Over the past few months, various No.9s have been linked with a move to the Emirates including Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Given that Jesus signed for Arsenal with the promise of being their main striker, one could forgive him for being unhappy about these reports, yet he insists he doesn’t care about the paper talk.
‘They already know if they want to [sign a striker], so maybe this question is not for me!’ the 27-year-old said in the pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Bayern Munich.
‘My job is to try to work, train hard, improve what I have to improve and in the games try to help Arsenal win and then after obviously win trophies.
‘The speculation will always be there, not only here but every club. People want to decide who the club want to sign. This is happening not just at Arsenal but at a lot of clubs.’
Jesus went onto say that while ‘it’s not easy’ playing in his unfavored position, he’ll do whatever it takes to help his side, adding: ‘I don’t want to come here and say, “Gabi doesn’t care about playing as a winger when his position normally is a nine”.
‘This part of the season you don’t complain. I never complain. When I get the chance, I will show the manager and everyone else why I have to play.
‘This part of the season I’ll put my ego aside and do what the manager wants to help the team. It’s not easy, not just for me but for Eddie [Nketiah] as well. Kai is having amazing games and scoring.
‘That’s the price you pay if you want to be in a big club.’
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