𝗘𝗣𝗟: 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗿!

EPL: Arteta Backs Gabriel Jesus to Become Arsenal’s First‑Choice Striker.

By Enock Damidami | Sele Media Africa

London, England — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that Gabriel Jesus has the ability and qualities to become the club’s first‑choice striker, a vote of faith that comes as the Brazilian forward returns from a lengthy injury layoff and competition intensifies up front. [1]Speaking at his pre‑match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Wolves, Arteta highlighted Jesus’s performance since returning from an 11‑month knee injury, saying the 28‑year‑old has shown theenergy and quality required to compete for the central striker role. [1]“Yes, a player of his quality… he’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that,” Arteta said when asked if Jesus could be Arsenal’s number one striker, underlining his belief that the Brazil international can push for the No. 9 spot. [1]Competition Up FrontJesus returned to action earlier this month, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 3‑0 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League — his first minutes since suffering the injury in January.However, the striker faces stiff competition for starts. Arsenal currently have multiple forwards who can play centrally — including Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz — though both have struggled with form or fitness. [1]Arteta also has other attacking options such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Leandro Trossard, meaning Jesus will need to maintain high levels of performance to secure regular starts. [1]Arteta’s Faith in JesusIn emphasising Gabriel Jesus’s fit‑again status, Arteta also hinted that there are no plans to move him in the January transfer window, underlining his importance to Arsenal’s title ambitions this season. [2]“We know his quality… he’s certainly a player that has to be pushing [to start] and aiming for that,” Arteta told reporters, dismissing speculation about a possible January exit. [2]What It Means for ArsenalJesus’s return adds depth to Arsenal’s attacking arsenal as they pursue honours on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and Champions League. With key attackers returning and competition heating up, Arteta’s comments signal confidence that Jesus can still be a central figure in the Gunners’ plans. [1]

Citations:

1. beIN SPORTS: www.beinsports.com/en-mena/football/premier-league/articles-video/fit-again-jesus-can-be-arsenal-s-number-one-striker-says-arteta-2025-12-12?utm_2. Football Blog: footballblog.co.uk/gabriel-jesus-transfer-news-arsenal-mikel-arteta/?utm_3. NDTV Sports: sports.ndtv.com/english-premier-league/fit-again-gabriel-jesus-can-be-arsenals-number-one-striker-mikel-arteta-9798950?utm_4. now.arsenal: www.nowarsenal.com/transfer-news/mikel-arteta-rules-out-january-exit-for-arsenal-star/?utm_

About The Author

Enock Damidami

author

See author's posts