Even if they reaffirm their status as champions-elect, it’s not all sunshine for Arsenal, with one of Mikel Arteta’s star men now desperate to leave.
Arsenal discover Champions League route
They’ve qualified for the FA Cup at the top of the Premier League, have a Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, and now they’re waiting for the best possible draw in the Champions League. As for Arteta, his current life at the Emirates is bliss.
The Gunners, who have just defeated north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their last game, have now discovered the path they must take if they want to reach the Champions League final.
With Bayer Leverkusen awaiting them, Arsenal have managed to avoid Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on the draw side.
If they get past Leverkusen, the Gunners could face Bodo/Glimt or Sporting Club, followed by a semi-final with either Newcastle United, Tottenham, Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. It is the most mundane path they seek.
Arteta’s most expensive defender in history looks complete at Arsenal
If Arsenal are to have any success defensively, Mikel Arteta will need to consider selling underperforming defenders this summer.
Victory in the Champions League would likely eclipse North London’s Premier League record as well. Throughout their history, Arsenal have desperately missed out on Europe’s biggest prize money, but this year they could be able to kill two birds with one stone and pull off an incredible feat.
However, even considering all this, Andrea Berta still has his eyes set on the summer transfer window. The sporting director could also be busy on the exit front, with his sights set on the likes of Honest Ahanoğlu.
As Arsenal continue to increase their depth, retaining certain players will inevitably prove increasingly difficult.
Gabriel Jesus wants to leave Arsenal
One player who seems to be struggling with the Gunners’ success is Gabriel Jesus. According to an Italian report from Sport Witness, Jesus is now keen to leave Arsenal and has instructed his new agent to find a way out.
As a result, the Brazilian is currently attracting strong interest from Juventus and fellow Italian giants AC Milan, who are prepared to make a convincing offer to his camp.
The big question is whether Arteta will open the door for the striker to leave this summer. Victor Goqueres has been inconsistent at times, forcing the Spaniard to rely on Jesus this season, but the Swede’s recent form suggests Jesus will be needed less and less at the Emirates.
PL statistics 25/26 | Jesus | Gokeres |
|---|---|---|
minutes | 306 | 1,746 |
the goal | 2 | 10 |
expected number of goals | 1.76 | 8.32 |
assist | 0 | 0 |
Injuries have plagued him ever since his arrival in north London, but if this turns out to be Jesus’ last season at Arsenal, he may go down as an example of what could have been.
Meanwhile, if the Gunners allow him to leave, it would highlight just how much they trust Gokeres.
