Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seems to be losing confidence in forward Gabriel Jesus as speculation rises that he is looking to pursue one of Europe’s most highly coveted strikers. So far this season, Jesus has yet to find the back of the net in eight appearances, further highlighting his struggles since joining Arsenal.
When Jesus made the move from Manchester City to Arsenal for £45 million in the summer of 2022, fans were optimistic, viewing him as a vital addition to the squad. However, in the subsequent time with the club, he has managed to score only 19 goals in 77 matches, which is underwhelming for a player of his caliber.
Injuries have significantly impacted his time in north London, with Jesus already sidelined for two weeks this season due to a hamstring issue. This ongoing struggle has led to questions about his long-term future with the club. Last summer, the situation seemed precarious as Arsenal was rumored to be interested in several notable strikers, including Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško. Ultimately, however, Arsenal did not pursue a high-profile striker, instead reinforcing other areas of the team by bringing in players like Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
Interest in Šeško appeared to diminish in June when he signed a new contract with Red Bull Leipzig, extending his commitment to the club until 2029. His performance at Euro 2024 was also less than impressive, as he failed to score in any of Slovenia’s four matches. Yet, this season, Šeško has made a strong start, netting six goals, including two in a Champions League match against Juventus. His impressive form seems to have caught Arteta’s attention, leading him to consider a bid for the striker in 2025.
Recent reports from TEAMtalk suggest that Arsenal and Red Bull Leipzig have initiated discussions regarding Šeško, and they may already have a preliminary agreement. Despite Šeško’s new contract, it reportedly includes a £55 million release clause. Arsenal has been informed that they will have priority in negotiations once this fee is matched.
Šeško aligns well with Arteta’s current strategy of focusing on younger talent, as the striker is viewed as a potential future star for both club and country. As Arteta navigates his options, the pressure is mounting on Jesus to regain his scoring touch or risk being replaced by a rising star like Šeško.