Arsenal legend Alan Smith has called on Mikel Arteta to consider parting ways with Gabriel Jesus this summer but believes the Gunners should retain Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Smith, who scored over 100 goals for Arsenal, expressed concerns over Jesus’ playing time following the club’s £64 million capture of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon.
Jesus, 27, joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £45 million and made an instant impact, registering 69 appearances in his first two seasons. However, persistent injury issues restricted him to just 17 Premier League outings last term, prompting Arteta to prioritise signing a new striker.
The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from the Emirates, and Smith believes now is the right time to sell.
“Given his track record with injuries, he might be one that you say ‘thanks’ and try to move him on to get a bit of money in,” Smith told Metro via BestBettingSites. “With Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz, there might not be too many opportunities for him this season.”
However, the former striker urged the club to resist offers for Martinelli and Trossard, both of whom have been linked with summer departures. Martinelli is reportedly attracting interest from European giants, while two Premier League clubs are monitoring Trossard’s situation as Arsenal continue to pursue Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
“I would be tempted to keep Leandro Trossard because he’s versatile, he’s scored important goals and you don’t want to lose him. The same goes for Martinelli – he didn’t have the best of seasons, but you definitely want to keep him,” Smith said.
Arsenal have enjoyed a busy transfer window, adding Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard to their squad. Smith gave his verdict on the new arrivals, rating Gyökeres and Zubimendi both at 9/10, Kepa at 8/10, and Madueke and Norgaard at 7/10 each.
The Gunners conclude their pre-season with a clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League campaign next weekend against Manchester United.
