Time to sell him — Arteta urged to dump £45M star ahead of Man Utd clash

Arsenal icon Alan Smith has advised Mikel Arteta to consider parting ways with Gabriel Jesus, while urging the club to retain Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Smith’s concerns stem from Arsenal’s £64m signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting, which could limit Jesus’ playing time.

Jesus, who joined from Manchester City for £45m in 2022, was a key figure in Arteta’s squad, appearing in 69 games over two seasons. However, injuries restricted him to 17 Premier League matches last term, prompting Arteta to prioritize a new striker.

Speaking via BestBettingSites, Smith said: “I think somebody like Gabriel Jesus might go given his track record with injuries. He might be one that you say, thanks, and try and move him on, get a bit of money in.

Obviously, with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, there might not be too many opportunities for him this season. I would be tempted to keep Leandro Trossard because he’s a versatile player who’s done well and scored important goals.

I don’t think you’d want to lose him. And the same with Martinelli actually – he didn’t have the best of seasons, but I think you definitely want to keep him.”

Arsenal also signed Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Nørgaard this summer.