Arteta Must Axe £300k-a-Week Arsenal Star When Saka Returns From Injury
Arsenal have been in fine form this season under Mikel Arteta, with their attacking philosophy, defensive solidity, and squad depth making them genuine Premier League title contenders. However, squad management is key in a long and grueling season, and with Bukayo Saka expected to return from injury soon, Arteta faces a crucial decision regarding his attacking lineup. One player who should make way is Gabriel Jesus, the £300k-a-week forward whose inconsistency and injury struggles have raised concerns.
While Jesus has been a valuable asset since his arrival from Manchester City, his performances this season have been underwhelming compared to Arsenal’s other attacking options. With Saka’s return imminent, Arteta must prioritize efficiency, sharpness, and a reliable goal threat in his frontline. Jesus, despite his work ethic and link-up play, has failed to deliver consistent goal contributions. Here’s why Arteta should drop him once Saka is back.
1. Jesus’ Inconsistency in Front of Goal
Gabriel Jesus is a technically gifted forward, but one of his biggest weaknesses throughout his career has been his lack of clinical finishing. This issue has persisted during his time at Arsenal. Despite playing as a striker, his goal tally is underwhelming compared to other top forwards in the league.
So far this season, Jesus has struggled to convert key chances. He often finds himself in excellent positions but fails to capitalize, either due to poor finishing or hesitancy in front of goal. Arsenal need a reliable goal scorer if they want to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League, and Jesus has not shown he can be that player consistently.
With Saka returning, Arteta can move Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard into the striker role, both of whom have shown better composure in front of goal recently. Havertz, in particular, has improved as a false nine, providing a more dynamic option with better finishing instincts.
2. Arsenal’s Attack Has Thrived Without Jesus
One of the biggest signs that Jesus is not indispensable is how Arsenal have performed in his absence. The team has looked more fluid and efficient when Trossard, Havertz, and Martinelli have led the attack.
When Jesus has played, Arsenal’s attack has sometimes lacked ruthlessness. He brings energy and pressing ability, but in games where Arsenal dominate possession and need a killer instinct in front of goal, he has often come up short. The likes of Trossard and Havertz have been far more effective in crucial moments, making a case for why Jesus should not walk back into the starting lineup.
With Saka’s return, Arsenal will regain a world-class winger who guarantees goals and assists. His ability to cut inside, combine with midfielders, and create chances makes him irreplaceable. Arteta must ensure that the balance of the attack remains lethal, and that means choosing the most clinical options available.
3. Jesus’ Injury Issues and Lack of Rhythm
Another major concern with Jesus is his fitness. Since joining Arsenal, he has had multiple injury setbacks that have disrupted his form and rhythm. Unlike players such as Saka, who are consistently available and impactful, Jesus has struggled to maintain a prolonged run of games without fitness issues.
His latest injury concerns have further highlighted why Arsenal cannot rely on him as their main striker. While he has the technical quality to be useful in certain tactical setups, his frequent absences make it difficult for Arsenal to build momentum with him leading the line.
In contrast, players like Trossard and Havertz have stayed fit and made a more consistent impact when given opportunities. If Arsenal are to sustain a title challenge, they need dependable players who can play week in and week out. Jesus, unfortunately, has not been that player.
4. Arsenal’s Best Front Three Does Not Include Jesus
When considering Arsenal’s strongest attacking lineup, it’s hard to justify Jesus’ inclusion. A front three of Martinelli, Havertz (or Trossard) as the striker, and Saka on the right seems far more balanced and effective.
Martinelli provides blistering pace and direct dribbling, Saka is the creative and goal-scoring force, and Havertz or Trossard in the middle offers a more clinical presence than Jesus. This combination has worked well in several big games this season, making Jesus seem more like a rotation option rather than a nailed-on starter.
When Arteta has opted for this front three, Arsenal have looked sharper in front of goal and more structured in attack. Jesus, while excellent at dropping deep and linking play, does not bring the same finishing ability as Havertz or Trossard.
5. Financial and Tactical Considerations
Another aspect worth considering is Jesus’ wages. At £300k per week, he is one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players, yet his goal contributions do not reflect that level of investment. If Arsenal want to be ruthless and operate efficiently in the transfer market, they may need to reconsider his long-term role in the squad.
If he is no longer a guaranteed starter, Arsenal could explore options to offload him in the future or use him in a more rotational capacity. With the summer transfer window approaching, Arsenal could target a more prolific striker to complement Saka and Martinelli, someone who guarantees 20+ goals a season.
Conclusion: A Ruthless Decision Needed
Mikel Arteta has built a squad capable of competing at the highest level, but tough decisions must be made to maximize Arsenal’s potential. With Saka returning from injury, there is no room for sentiment. The team must be set up in the most effective way possible, and that means dropping Gabriel Jesus.
While he remains a useful squad player, his inconsistency in front of goal, injury struggles, and the team’s improved performances without him suggest that he should not be a starter. Arsenal must prioritize players who deliver consistently, and right now, Jesus does not fit that mold.
If Arsenal want to push Manchester City and Liverpool to the wire in the title race, they need a ruthless edge. That starts with making bold choices—like benching a £300k-a-week player who is not living up to expectations.
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