Mikel Arteta drops Arsenal transfer hint with Gunners yet to bid for Viktor Gyokeres

Mikel Arteta has thrown his weight behind Gabriel Jesus ahead of the new campaign, amid Arsenal links to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Critics have urged the Arsenal hierarchy to spend big on a number nine this summer, as they look to go toe to toe with Premier League title favourites Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won the last two league championships, but Arteta’s men have pushed them close on both occasions, even taking it to the final day of the campaign last term.

However, it would appear Arteta is content with the options currently at his disposal, with the Spaniard backing Jesus to have a stellar season for the capital club.

Speaking after Arsenal’s pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen, Arteta said: “The first feeling when I saw him [this summer], it was something different. I could sense it.

“The energy was different. The way he looks is different. The way he moves is different… he looks good.”

Jesus endured a mixed second season last time around, having arrived from City for £45million two summers ago.

The Brazil international netted just four Premier League goals during the 2023/24 campaign, with most of Jesus’ minutes coming from the substitutes bench.

It looks as if Jesus is going to get another chance to impress, with Arsenal said to be focusing on adding a new midfield anchor, instead of a goal-hungry centre-forward.

As per Fabrizio Romano, via GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are believed to be locked in on pursuing Mikel Merino’s signature.

The Spanish midfielder has one year left on his contract at Real Sociedad, meaning Arsenal should be able to snatch him at a reduced cost, should Edu and co. nail the negotiations.

A fee of £25m is being mooted for Merino, whose arrival could open the door for Thomas Partey to leave later in the window.

Confidence surrounding the Gunners has been boosted after a commanding victory at the Emirates Stadium against Leverkusen.

Goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Jesus helped Arsenal to a stylish 4-1 victory over the German champions.

It’s the perfect preparation for the Premier League runners-up, whose quest for a first title in over 20 years begins next week at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Arsenal have been dealt a tough start to the league campaign though, with matches against Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and City to come before the end of September.