Arsenal: Arteta could now sign 'versatile forward' to replace Gabriel Jesus | OneFootball

Arsenal may look to sign a forward who can play “anywhere across the front line” as Mikel Arteta considers how he replaces Gabriel Jesus in his absence at the Emirates Stadium, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Gunners are looking for alternative forward options with the Brazilian striker undergoing surgery after picking up a knee injury on World Cup duty.

Arsenal transfer news – Jesus replacements

With Jesus set to be on the sidelines for a significant time, Arteta will be hoping to replace the Brazilian’s goal output and keep the Gunners’ title challenge going into the second half of the campaign.

The 25-year-old has scored five goals and provided six assists for the north London side in the Premier League this season according to Transfermarkt, and both technical director Edu and Arteta must now find a solution in how to best replace the versatile forward.

Jones has already told GiveMeSport that the Premier League leaders could consider recruiting a short-term replacement in the absence of Jesus.

And the journalist suggests that the club could sign somebody capable of playing anywhere across the front line in a move to try and replace the former Manchester City star’s versatility.

What has Jones said about Arsenal’s transfer business?

Jones told GiveMeSport: “The other consideration is signing someone who’s more of a wide forward but is adaptable and flexible and could play anywhere across the front line.

“When you consider what Gabriel Jesus is at Arsenal, he’s used for various jobs. I think it might be more likely that we see somebody signed who can just help the rotation of the frontline.”

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Who could Arsenal look to sign in January?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal’s main January transfer target will be Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, with the player determined to make the move to the Emirates Stadium.

The same publication has stated that Shakhtar are likely to demand a fee of around £87m for the winger in the new year, but Jesus’ injury may mean that the Gunners will need to move quickly to secure the addition of the forward.

Despite playing on the left wing for the majority of the current campaign, the 21-year-old has racked up ten goals and provided eight assists in 18 appearances according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that he could be versatile enough to play in that centre-forward role for Arteta if required.

It has been suggested since the closure of the summer transfer window that Arsenal’s long-term top target is Mudryk but, with developments over Jesus’ injury, Edu’s hand may be forced in a bid to secure the Gunners’ first Premier League title since 2004.