Arsenal's lack of business in the January transfer window was defended by MIKEL ARTETA, who stated that the club would only pursue the 'best' targets.
If Arsenal sign Gabriel Jesus, one of Pep Guardiola's 'greatest' Manchester City purchases, Mikel Arteta's controversial transfer allegation could be validated. The Gunners were chastised for their lack of action in the January transfer window, with American defender Auston Trusty proving to be the lone addition.
Calum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac were both shown the exit door as Pierre Emerick-contract Aubameyang's was cancelled to make a deadline-day swap to Barcelona. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Pablo Mari were also loaned out, leaving Arteta low on players during the Gunners' last season, which saw rivals Tottenham beat them to the title.
Arsenal were rumored to be interested in signing a striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak, and Dusan Vlahovic all on their mid-season wish list. However, no further incoming agreements were reached, leaving Arteta to rely on Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette for the remainder of the season.
Nketiah is now a free agent, according to the Gunners' official list, yet the 23-year-old is anticipated to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium. "Edu and his colleagues performed a tremendous job and they continue to do that," Arteta told reporters in February, defending the club's mid-season business.
Mikel Arteta is a Spanish footballer.
Mikel Arteta's bold Arsenal transfer assertion could be vindicated if he joins Pep Guardiola's 'favorite'. (Photo)
"In this club, we only want the best players and individuals. When we're in a hurry and the reasons for bringing a player into the club aren't right, we decide not to do it."
This 'best player' commitment and staunch refusal to settle may have cost Arsenal dearly in the run-up, but it could be justified if Arsenal can secure a deal for Jesus. Arteta's objective this summer is to sign at least one new forward, and the Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move away from City following the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
After the latest set of international fixtures, Jesus is likely to make a decision on his future with the Premier League champions. The forward has previously expressed his displeasure with Pep Guardiola's frequent usage of him as a rotation option, but it hasn't prevented the City boss from lavishing praise on the 25-year-old.
Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has been in charge of Manchester City for six years and has spent big money on a slew of superstars. Guardiola, on the other hand, has previously referred to Jesus as "one of the best signings" City has made during his time.
"If one person, one player deserves the best, it is Gabriel," he told the club's website in September last year. He runs for everyone, and I am the happiest man on the planet when he scores.
"He can play all three forward positions and does it very well." Gabriel falls, gets back up, and tries again. He's a young player who has been one of our best signings during our time together."
Guardiola, Jesus
Mikel Arteta's bold Arsenal transfer assertion could be vindicated if he joins Pep Guardiola's 'favorite'. (Photo)
Jesus has 95 goals and 46 assists in his trophy-laden City career so far, but statistics alone do not tell the entire picture when it comes to the Arsenal transfer target. When it comes to his work-rate off the ball, Guardiola considers the forward to be the "greatest in the world."
"He can play in the three spots up front, and when we need runners and players that help a lot in our high energy and intense pressing...the he's best in the world," City manager Pep Guardiola told Marca in February. We can stay high thanks to him.
"It's because of him that we can be so aggressive." Again, Phil [Foden] helps us acquire extra rhythm for our midfield players, and our back four can stay higher for a long period when he plays that position."
Arsenal are in desperate need of a goalscorer, and in Jesus, they would be acquiring a top striker who is in the midst of one of his best seasons. Arsenal supporters may be skeptical, but a summer transfer for the City striker could prove Arteta was right to wait for the "best."
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