ArsenalThe 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday night highlighted the problems which Mikel Arteta which he faces this season.
Injuries, refereeing controversies and a lack of attacking spark. All three were in the spotlight at the weekend and it may have done terminal damage to the Gunners’ title race.
One positive was Ethan Nwaneri. The incredible 17-year-old opened the scoring and scored his second goal Premier League goal but was withdrawn after the break following a muscle injury. “It’s really bad news,” Arteta confirmed at full-time.
More bad news came in the form of a result at the Amex with the north Londoners dealt an almighty blow when Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot after a sort of encounter between Joao Pedro and William Saliba.
There was a minor contact with the head and the Brazilian fell. Nevertheless, he jumped overjoyed and scored the penalty.
Ultimately though, Arsenal’s lack of creativity got them nowhere on the south coast. It was the lack of firepower, creating only five big chancesonly 3 shots on goal (one in the second half) and an xG of just 0.88.
As a result, the club must surely dip their toes into the transfer market…
Arsenal are targeting a new striker
Last summer, the transfer window was marked by a certain Benjamin Šesko. The Slovenian did not arrive.
So far, 2025 has been dominated by talk of a potential move for Alexander Isak of Newcastle and Wolves Matheus Cunha.
However, with Isak has a transfer fee of 100 million pounds and Cunha set the terms of the new contract at Molineux, Arsenal’s transfer team may have to get creative.
Good, according to reports from Brazilthey are. This weekend it was claimed that Arsenal had made a bid, albeit rejected, for Botafogo’s 23-year-old striker Igor Jesus.
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It has been suggested that the Premier League side wanted to take the player on loan and set a buyout option of around £17million after the six-month temporary move ends.
The Brazilians rejected the loan, but are not opposed to negotiations for the permanent departure of their star this winter.
What Igor Jesus could bring to Arsenal
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last ten league games, but this season has certainly not been easy for the Gunners.
Bukaya Saka’s hamstring injury just a few weeks ago only rubbed salt in the wounds, but several players, mainly Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus stood up when it mattered.
Jesus may not have found a net in Brighton, but he’s been on fire lately, scored six goals in the last five matches in all competitions.
His namesake, however, could have the power to usurp him if he arrives this winter from Botafogo.
After a stint in Dubai and returning to his homeland, Igor Jesus has been on fire for the past year, collecting 25 goals and nine assists in 56 matches during 2023/24, subsequently praised for his “amazing” performances by journalist Zach Lowy.
He is a regular in finding the goal and like Jesus, he did it in their Brazilian homeland.
|
Igor Jesus vs. Gabriel Jesus in Brazil |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat |
Igor Jesus |
Gabriel Jesus |
|
Games |
80 |
83 |
|
Objectives |
13 |
28 |
|
Assists |
7 |
8 |
|
Igor Jesus vs. Gabriel Jesus from 2023/24 |
||
|
Stat |
Igor Jesus |
Gabriel Jesus |
|
Games |
56 |
61 |
|
Objectives |
25 |
15 |
|
Assists |
9 |
10 |
|
Statistics via Transfermarkt. |
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At 23 years old, the Botafogo star still has a lot of potential to draw from, and he doesn’t just offer goals. His game looks more rounded than that.
According to the platform based on FBref statisticsIgor ranks in the top 18% of positionally similar players in leagues judged to be comparable in quality to the Brazilian premiership for progressive passing, highlighting his ability to drop deep and create for others.
A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is at least 10 meters closer to the opponent’s goal or any completed pass into the penalty area.
To further clarify, he is in the top 9% of forwards for assists and in the top 11% for shot creation actions.
Jesus is even pretty good in the air, winning 3.42 aerial duels per 90, enough to put him in the top 21% for that metric. For context, its namesake won only 1.18 aerial battles in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz won 3.61 in the league during 2024/25, only slightly more.
So, on that evidence, he could be a good acquisition this January, and a profitable one at that.
Arsenal not only need a goalscorer, but they also need a chance creator and someone capable of winning duels; Igor Jesus could be that man.
