Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appears to be losing faith in forward Gabriel Jesus amid growing rumors that he is considering signing one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
So far this season, Jesus has failed to score in eight appearances, underscoring his difficulties since joining Arsenal.
When he transferred from Manchester City to Arsenal for £45 million in the summer of 2022, fans were hopeful, seeing him as a crucial addition to the team.
However, during his time at the club, he has scored only 19 goals in 77 matches, which is disappointing for a player of his talent.
Injuries have severely affected his tenure in north London, with Jesus already missing two weeks this season due to a hamstring issue.
This ongoing situation has raised doubts about his long-term prospects with the club. Last summer, Arsenal was rumored to be exploring options for several prominent strikers, including Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško.
Ultimately, the club did not pursue a major striker, instead focusing on strengthening other areas by signing players like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
Interest in Šeško appeared to wane in June when he signed a new deal with Red Bull Leipzig, extending his stay until 2029. His performances at Euro 2024 were also underwhelming, as he failed to score in any of Slovenia’s four matches.
However, this season, Šeško has started strong, scoring six goals, including two in a Champions League match against Juventus. His notable form seems to have caught Arteta’s attention, prompting him to consider a bid for the striker in 2025.
Recent reports from TEAMtalk indicate that Arsenal and Red Bull Leipzig have begun talks about Šeško and may have reached a preliminary agreement.
Despite his new contract, it reportedly includes a £55 million release clause, and Arsenal has been informed they will have priority in negotiations once that amount is matched.
Šeško fits well with Arteta’s strategy of targeting younger talent, as the striker is seen as a potential star for both club and country.
As Arteta explores his options, the pressure is increasing on Jesus to regain his scoring form or risk being replaced by a promising player like Šeško.