Arteta Targets Second Jesus to Break Trophy Drought | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Igor Jesus to Break the Silverware Drought

After a third consecutive second-placed finish in the Premier League, questions are starting to surface: is the 2025/26 campaign a make-or-break season for Mikel Arteta?

Despite transforming Arsenal into genuine title contenders and Champions League semi-finalists, the Spaniard hasn’t lifted a major trophy since the 2019 FA Cup. His tactical evolution and the club’s improved consistency have restored pride in North London — but silverware remains elusive. And in football, progress without prizes only lasts so long.

Striker Search: Arsenal Look to Bolster Attack

One of Arsenal’s most pressing issues remains up front. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have both endured frustrating seasons, hampered by injury and patchy form. With the club’s ambitions growing — especially after their deep run in Europe — a reliable No. 9 is essential if Arteta’s project is to finally reach fruition.

That search has led Arsenal to a familiar name with a twist: Igor Jesus.

The Jesus Arsenal Really Want?

According to multiple reports, Arsenal are back in the hunt for Igor Jesus, the 24-year-old Brazilian forward currently starring for Botafogo. The Gunners had made a move in January, reportedly tabling an offer just shy of £25 million. However, Jesus turned it down — not out of disrespect, but due to his desire to compete in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this June.

That commitment speaks volumes about his mindset. It’s not just about money or prestige — Jesus is motivated by legacy and experience. And with Botafogo’s stunning 2024 double — winning both the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and the Copa Libertadores — he’s earned the right to dream big.

What Would Jesus Bring to Arsenal?

Described in Brazilian media as a “fast” and versatile striker, Jesus possesses the pace, movement, and finishing to complement Arsenal’s fluid front line. He’s not just a poacher; he can drop deep, press from the front, and link play — much like the ideal Arteta forward.

Though Arsenal will likely have to offer significantly more than their initial £25m bid, Jesus could prove a bargain compared to the likes of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, whose price tag continues to climb past the £70m mark.

Ready for the Big Stage

Jesus may be happy in Rio for now, but sources suggest he “understands that he cannot waste an opportunity to play in the Premier League.” That self-awareness, combined with his age and profile, makes him a sensible and strategic signing for Arsenal — a player who could grow with the club and finally deliver the trophies Arteta’s rebuild deserves.

With the summer window approaching and ambitions riding high, Arsenal’s next striker signing could well define not just the season, but the manager’s legacy.

The radar chart profiling Igor Jesus offers a compelling glimpse into why the Brazilian striker has caught the attention of Premier League clubs, particularly Arsenal. Over 3,115 minutes in the past year, Jesus has demonstrated a rare blend of attacking output, progressive involvement, and defensive effort — all vital traits for a modern centre-forward.

Offensively, Jesus ranks in the 83rd percentile for both assists and expected assisted goals (xAG), highlighting his creativity and vision in the final third. He also boasts an 81st percentile for non-penalty expected goals (npxG), underlining his knack for getting into high-quality scoring areas. While his non-penalty goals conversion (55th percentile) is solid but not elite, his 83rd percentile in shot-creating actions suggests he’s central to build-up and chance creation.

Possession-wise, Jesus is heavily involved. He ranks highly in progressive carries (69th percentile), progressive passes (77th), and touches (86th) — signs of a forward who willingly drops deep and connects play. His pass completion rate is average (57th percentile), but this may reflect riskier forward passes rather than poor technique.

Defensively, Jesus is far from idle. His 88th percentile in clearances and 63rd percentile in aerials won are particularly notable, making him valuable during defensive set-pieces and transitions. Though he’s lower in tackles and interceptions (21st percentile), his contributions in pressing situations and physical duels cannot be ignored.

In summary, Igor Jesus isn’t just a finisher — he’s a multi-faceted forward capable of contributing across all phases of play. His numbers indicate a well-rounded, intelligent player whose profile aligns with the demands of Premier League football and Arsenal’s tactical setup under Mikel Arteta.