The writing is on the wall for one Arsenal star after what happened during the Premier League clash with Brentford.
The Gunners were facing the Bees at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night in a contest that they won 2-0 in a comfortable display in north London. That result restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka secured the three points, but may have also sealed the fate of one first team star who faces an uphill battle to restore his place and reputation as one of Arsenal's most trusted players.
Mikel Merino Is Tearing It Up
Mikel Merino celebrating his goal against Chelsea for Arsenal
Arsenal's summer recruitment plan was based around adding firepower to the attack. While Kai Havertz performed well last term, Arteta moved heaven and earth to bring Viktor Gyokeres to the club.
Gyokeres has made a decent start to life at the Emirates Stadium with six goals in 16 matches so far, but his recent muscle injury meant that the Gunners had to look to one of their most underrated stars to fill in up front.
Up stepped Mikel Merino, the central midfielder who has proven himself as a more-than capable striking understudy. The Spaniard has scored five goals and provided three assists despite starting just 13 times this season.
In his career, he's scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 22 games playing as a striker, giving Arteta a genuine decision to make regarding who is the club's most reliable striker.
Gabriel Jesus Heading For Exit Door
Gabriel Jesus after missing
While Gyokeres and Havertz will relish the challenge that Merino poses for that starting spot, it feels like the emergence of the Spanish utlity man is bad news for Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward hasn't featured for Arsenal's first team since January this year as a result of a cruciate ligament injury. Despite being in the matchday squad to face Chelsea and Brentford, the 28-year-old is yet to make it back on the pitch.
Under Arteta, Arsenal tend to play with one centre-forward and right now that position will be fought for by Gyokeres, Havertz and Merino. It means that Jesus is arguably fourth choice for the role, while he's also way down the pecking order to occupy a wide spot for the Gunners.
Signed for £45million from Manchester City in 2022, Jesus is unlikely to be a first team regular with Arsenal again and that means that he must consider a move away. At 28 years of age, Jesus still has a lot to offer and therefore a move away could make perfect sense for everyone involved.
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