Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Gabriel Jesus possesses the necessary qualities to establish himself as Arsenal’s first-choice striker following the Brazil international’s significant return from an 11-month spell on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old forward marked his comeback on Wednesday, registering his first minutes for the club since sustaining a severe knee injury in January. He entered the field as a substitute during the Gunners’ comfortable 3-0 victory against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Jesus now faces intense competition to become the primary focal point of Arsenal’s attack. His challengers include Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, although the latter is currently sidelined with a knee injury. Furthermore, Arsenal boss Arteta boasts numerous other high-calibre options in attacking positions, such as Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Leandro Trossard.
The Spanish manager, whose team hosts bottom-side Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, addressed the media at his pre-match press conference when asked directly if Jesus could push for the number one striker spot.
Arteta responded:
“Yes, a player of his quality, a player that has given us so much, and he comes with the energy that he came with the other day. “He’s certainly a player that has to be pushing and aiming for that, that’s for sure.”
The manager’s comments signal a belief that Jesus’s return adds significant competitive depth and quality to the forward line as Arsenal continues its push for top domestic and European honours.
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