The youngster is expected to become a world-class striker in Ligue 1 over the coming years.placeholder image
The youngster is expected to become a world-class striker in Ligue 1 over the coming years. | Getty Images
The youngster is expected to become a world-class striker in Ligue 1 over the coming years.
It’s been a fantastic week for Arsenal, as they managed to overcome a tough Aston Villa side 4-1 at the Emirates to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The headlines were stolen by Gabriel Jesus, who scored his first goal since returning from his long-term ACL injury.
However, the Brazilian’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season, so the Gunners will likely consider who can be his long-term replacement as that electric and pacey striker to complement Gyokeres.
Arsenal battling with Chelsea for Robinio Vaz
Mikel Arteta will be considering younger options to replace Jesus in the future, and recent reports suggest they could sign a promising striker from France. According to French outlet FootMercato, Arsenal are interested in signing Marseille wonderkid Robinio Vaz in January.
The report states that the 18-year-old could leave in January, and Marseille may be willing to consider offers for Vaz should a suitable offer come in from a club like Arsenal. Chelsea is also understood to be interested in the striker, and views him as a future world-class star.
Vaz has already shown his clinical nature in Ligue 1 at the age of just 18. So far, he has made 22 appearances for Marseille, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Marseille boss Roberto Di Zerbi really values him. He was quoted in Le Phoceen: “He’s a very precious young player for me and for OM because he’s part of the club’s heritage.”
He has an estimated market value of just £9m at the moment, but would cost a lot more than that in any potential transfer deal, based on his very high potential in the next few years.
Could Arsenal extend Jesus’ contract?
With his current deal due to expire in June 2027, Jesus is expected to leave the club. At that time, the Brazilian striker will be 30 years old, so it feels unlikely that Arsenal would decide to offer him a contract extension, especially considering his poor record with injury problems.
However, many are getting excited at the prospect that Jesus could end up being that number nine that Arsenal needed in the summer rather than Gyokeres. If he does post world class numbers over the next season and a half, who is to say that Arsenal should let him leave as a free agent.
Jesus has been at the Emirates since July 2022 when he joined from rivals Manchester City. Since then, he has scored 26 goals, and provided 20 assists in exactly 100 appearances. He’ll hope to add to that goal tally, and help the Gunners to a league title in 2026.
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