Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma: Gyokeres vs. Jesus

Arsenal’s recent struggles in title races against Manchester City, coupled with being overshadowed by Liverpool last season, can be attributed to several factors. Chief among these were injuries to key players at critical junctures.

To address their squad depth, Arsenal invested significantly in the transfer market last summer, aiming to provide manager Mikel Arteta with one of the strongest squads in football. A primary focus of this investment was the long-standing need for a prolific No. 9, a role that Viktor Gyokeres was expected to fill effectively.

Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP for £64 million ($86 million) on July 26, had previously scored the most league goals—68—across Europe’s top ten leagues over the past two seasons. He was touted as the crucial missing piece needed to transform the Gunners from perennial contenders into champions. However, his contributions have been surprisingly limited this season, with just five Premier League goals, two of which were penalties.

Despite his lack of goals, Arteta has pointed out that Gyokeres’s transition has been challenging due to his late transfer from Lisbon, which did not allow him a proper pre-season. Arteta noted, “The first few weeks were difficult because physically he wasn’t in his best state. He needs that preparation to perform at this level.”

Arsenal’s players celebrated Gyokeres’s first open-play goal in three months during a recent Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea. Midfielder Declan Rice has praised Gyokeres for the unseen work he does, creating space for teammates by drawing defenders. Rice stated, “He has to use his strength to help the team. His run was pivotal for my goal. When the space opens up, he will score. He’s vital for us.”

Nonetheless, the pressure is mounting on Gyokeres, especially with reports of Arsenal considering a significant summer move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. Moreover, Gabriel Jesus, who has recently returned from injury, presents a more immediate threat to Gyokeres’s starting position.

Jesus’s comeback was anticipated with interest, especially given his history of injury issues. His return to the pitch coincided with Gyokeres’s struggles to impact league games. Jesus has demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level, having scored twice on his first Champions League start since December 2024.

While Jesus has never been a prolific goal-scorer, his contributions to the team go beyond numbers. He brings a unique energy and belief that Arteta has emphasized as transformative since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023. Arteta remarked, “The bigger the game, the more comfortable he plays.”

The Gunners will need experienced players like Jesus as they navigate a crucial phase of the season. His ability to connect with fellow forwards, as noted by Gabriel Martinelli, adds significant fluidity to Arsenal’s attack. Arteta highlighted this connection as invaluable to the team’s success.

Despite the competition for the No. 9 position, both Gyokeres and Jesus have roles to play as Arsenal continues to pursue glory across various fronts. Jesus has shown support for both Gyokeres and fellow striker Kai Havertz, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in a competitive environment.

“I am here to make history,” Jesus declared, reinforcing his commitment to the team’s success. As Arsenal prepares for their next match against Manchester United, the interplay between these strikers will be crucial to their ambitions.