Jesus had just rediscovered his best form infront of goal, netting his first Premier League goals of the current campaign when reaching a double at Crystal Palace in late December and did so again in a New Years’ Day victor against Brentford.
He also scored a hat-trick against Palace in a League Cup quarter-final last month – with a goal in each half and another in added time. Jesus, who won four league titles with Manchester City, moved to Arsenal in 2022.
Arsenal may now look to a striker during the January transfer window, but according to the manager, that is not it.
“We have other issues, too. A player can bring things to a team in different ways. That is what we are trying to do,” Arteta said. “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. We would be naive not to do that. There is an opportunity to improve the squad.”
Arteta also spoke about the online abuse suffered by Kai Havertz after the forward had his penalty saved during Sunday’s shootout, as Arsenal exited the FA Cup in the third round.
“It’s incredible, honestly. We really have to do something about it,” Arteta said.
“Accepting and hiding this has terrible consequences. It is something we have to eradicate from the game.”
“On the 27th December we won 1-0 and Kai Havertz scored the goal. That was 20 days ago. Guys, what is the perspective? We are all responsible for the narrative and how we talk.” Arsenal, who are lying second in the league standings, six points off leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, play hosts to Spurs, who are 12th, in the north London derby.
“It is the nicest game of the season to watch and play because of the atmosphere and what it means to the people, us and everyone that is involved,” Arteta said. “The atmosphere is something the fans can help with and something we can do by giving them something to feed off.”
