Arsenal ‘to AXE star man after getting fed up with injury record as Gunners draw up four-man shortlist as replacement’
ARSENAL are growing impatient with Gabriel Jesus’ persistent injury problems.
The Gunners have already started drawing up a target list of strikers to lead their attack on more consistent basis.
AlamyArsenal will manage Gabriel Jesus through to the end of the season to avoid injury setbacks[/caption]
Jesus has suffered with persistent knee problems since joining Arsenal ahead of last seasonRex
Jesus has been out since January due to a knee issue, though he was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Newcastle.
The Brazil international has been dogged by fitness problems since joining Arsenal ahead of last season.
He was sidelined for three months during last term’s title race with Manchester City after suffering a knee injury during the World Cup.
He was out of action for the start of this campaign after undergoing a procedure on his knee in the summer.
He then lipped off the pitch against Sevilla in October with a complaint about his hamstring.
The never-ending injury concerns are among the factors behind the club’s determination to sign a new central striker this summer.
According to the Daily Mail, the four-man shortlist includes, Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, Joshua Zirkzee and Viktor Gyokeres.
Toney, who has also been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, looks set to leave Brentford at the end of the season.
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GettyIvan Toney is Arsenal’s top target to come in as striker[/caption]
AlamyOsimhen scored 31 goals across all competitions for Serie A champions Napoli last season[/caption]
The signing of any of these players would leave Jesus’ position vulnerable.
He could be axed from the side he joined to restart his Premier League career after leaving Man City.
Arsenal have covered Jesus’ absence in recent weeks by using Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz up front, though neither player is considered a long-term option in the No.9 role.
They will also look to sign a new central midfielder with Martin Zubimendi among the club’s targets, as Thomas Partey remains unavailable.
Arsenal’s strikers woes were more than evident during their 1-0 defeat to Porto in the Champions League last 16 first-leg last week.
The Gunners failed to register a shot on target despite enjoying the majority of possession, before being left stunned by Galeno’s last minute screamer.
Graeme Souness and Rio Ferdinand have previously claimed that Arsenal are restricted in the race for major honours because they lack a ’25-goal-man’.
Liverpool have Mohamed Salah who has averaged 20 goals per season for the last six years.
While Man City have Erling Haaland, who already has 16 Premier League goals this term.
