Will Gabriel Jesus still join Arsenal after Eddie Nketiah’s contract extension?

Gabriel Jesus

Will Gabriel Jesus still join Arsenal after Eddie Nketiah’s contract extension?

By Tum Balogun

Eddie Nketiah secured a new long-term contract with the Gunners last week putting an end to months of speculation surrounding the forward’s future. 


The surprising announcement was warmly greeted by Arsenal hierarchy with manager Mikel Arteta expressing his delight in the 22-year-old’s decision to extend his stay at the club.


Few could dismiss the England U21 record scorers’ impact which saw him net five times in the Gunners' final eight league games last season. 


But has his re-signing ended hopes of securing the services of another talented forward in Gabriel Jesus?



State of play


Prior to last week's announcement, Arsenal were leading the race to sign the £50 million rated wantaway Jesus from Premier League champions Manchester City. 


The Brazilian international is keen to get more first team football and despite being out of the Champions League, Arteta’s connection with the player made the Emirates a likely destination. 


Since arriving in England from Brazilian side Palmeiras, Jesus has played 159 league games for the Citizens, scoring 59 goals. 


The forward, who can play across the frontline, has already made 56 appearances for his national side and has netted an impressive 19 goals for the Selecao.


Still only 25-years-old and with a World Cup looming at the end of the calendar year, Jesus looks almost certain to leave the Etihad this summer. 



Could Jesus and Nketiah feature together? 


A key deficiency of Arteta’s side in the latter stages of last season was their depth, particularly in forward positions. 


The January sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona left a hole in attack which simply wasn't filled.


And though Nketiah deputised well and has since been rewarded with a new contract and Thierry Henry’s iconic shirt number, Alexandre Lacazette’s departure this month leaves another spot upfront.


As a former assistant to Pep Guardiola, the Arsenal manager’s style of football is very similar to his old boss, with a fluid frontline consisting of quick, skilful players adept in several positions is key to this preferred brand of football. 


So a player like Jesus, who has experience coaching, would be a great addition, supplementing the attackers currently on the roster. 



The verdict


With Jesus’ regular deployment in wide positions for Manchester City and Arsenal’s need for attacking reinforcements, a move for the Brazilian remains a priority. 


But recent reports of interest from other top clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham, have intensified the race to secure his signature and may lead to a transfer fee higher than the £50 million the Gunners were expecting. 


There is little doubt that Jesus would greatly improve the team’s prospects for next season and with a full season as a starter they may see the forward’s full potential realised.  


Photo Credit: Getty Images

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