Mikel Arteta draws up four-man wishlist as Arsenal 'open' to Gabriel Jesus transfer exit

Arsenal are reportedly open to selling Gabriel Jesus this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign

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Arsenal

Jake StokesSport Central Audience Writer

Nathan Ridley

13:30, 1 MAY 2024

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2024 in London, England. — Arteta draws up four-man shortlist as Arsenal consider Jesus exit (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Arsenal are open to letting Gabriel Jesus leave this summer, according to reports. The 27-year-old striker has struggled to impress for the Gunners this term, with Mikel Arteta often relying on Kai Havertz to lead the frontline.

Jesus has had a challenging second season at the Emirates Stadium, missing a total of 16 games on top of the 15 he was absent for last term. With just eight goals in 33 appearances and the former Chelsea ace preferred in the number nine role, the Brazil international's future is under scrutiny.

Once hailed as the future of Arsenal's attack following his £45million move from Manchester City, the north Londoners are now willing to consider offers for Jesus, according to The Athletic. If a significant bid comes in, Edu will look to sign one of Arteta's four primary targets.

In January, Arsenal were strongly linked with Ivan Toney. Despite serving an eight-month ban for breaching the FA's gambling rules, the Brentford talisman attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, add the Mirror.

Toney will be out of contract at the G-Tech Community Stadium next summer, making it a sensible time for the Bees to cash in. The 28-year-old's physicality, goal-scoring ability and penalty-taking skills are all seen as attractive qualities.

Another forward who has made his mark in the Premier League recently is Alexander Isak. The Newcastle United star has been on fire this year, netting nine times in his last eight matches as the Magpies aim for a late surge towards European qualification.

Isak has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry and, with Newcastle needing to meet both Premier League and UEFA financial rules, they're under pressure to raise funds swiftly. Another club familiar with player sales is RB Leipzig, who currently have Benjamin Sesko on their books amidst rumours of a move to North London.

Since transferring from affiliate club Red Bull Salzburg at the start of the season, the Slovenian forward has found the back of the net 15 times in 39 appearances. At just 20, he could be a long-term prospect for Arsenal, but his recent form of four goals in four matches suggests he could step into the first team immediately.

Sporting CP's sharpshooter Viktor Gyokores is another name to consider. The former Coventry man moved to the soon-to-be Portuguese champions last summer.

With an impressive tally of 40 goals and 14 assists in 46 matches, there's no question that Isak's compatriot knows how to score. A product of Brighton's youth system, Gyokores has a point to prove in the Premier League.

One thing is certain, none of these players will come at a low cost. However, Arteta is expected to receive further financial support from the Kroenke family in the upcoming summer transfer window, and the sale of Jesus would only boost Arsenal's already substantial budget.