Arsenal fans are full of hope after an excellent start to the 2025-26 season, with the North London side sitting pretty on top of the Premier League table.
The Gunners have built on their impressive defensive record and look more of a threat at the other end of the pitch this season.
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres over the summer to be their main central striker, with the Sweden international arriving from Sporting Lisbon with a superb goal record and big reputation.
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While Scandinavian hitman Gyokeres hasn’t quite hit the heights the Emirates Stadium faithful would like as yet, the impending return of another Arsenal striker could help to get the best out of him.
Arsenal FC v Aston Villa - Premier League
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Gabriel Jesus closing in on return
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has become something of a forgotten man in North London, with the Brazil international on the sidelines as the club has fought for honours over the last 12 months.
The South American forward has been rehabilitating from a serious ACL injury, with Mikel Arteta seemingly set to welcome him back into the Arsenal first-team fold in the near future.
Jesus has stated he is fighting to return to fitness and firmly sees his future at the current Premier League pacesetters.
“Every day, the [Arsenal] coach and the board say they’re eager for my return,” he told ESPN Brasil.
“I don’t see myself outside the club’s plans. I have a contract until 2027, and if it’s not renewed by then, I’ll be at the club at least until 2027.”
With the World Cup less than 12 months away, Jesus will hope that a return to the Arsenal first-team set-up and playing a role in a successful season for the Gunners will see him back in the Brazil reckoning.
Gyokeres to benefit from Jesus return
While Jesus is versatile enough to play on a flank for Arsenal, the Brazilian’s best position is as a central striker – putting him in direct competition for a starting place with Gyokeres.
However, this can actually benefit the Swede, who has been the only recognised out-and-out number nine available to Arteta this season so far.
Viktor Gyokeres applauds Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
With Arsenal fighting on four fronts, a hungry and fit Jesus could take some of the workload from Gyokeres and help to reduce the new man’s time on the pitch in games that are already won, or in cup fixtures.
Additional competition for places would also see Gyokeres need to take his performances to another level to maintain his place in the team, with two international number nines fighting for a starting berth only a good thing for Arsenal.