Arsenal bounced back from a midweek draw at Brentford by putting League One Wigan to the sword in the FA Cup as Mikel Arteta’s side look ahead to another Premier League test on Wednesday
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points if they triumph over Wolves on Wednesday. This encounter arrives just a few days after their victory over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
The last time the Gunners took to the pitch in a top-flight match, they were unable to overcome Brentford, resulting in a 1-1 draw. However, that was swiftly forgotten when they comfortably advanced to the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 home win against Wigan.
Gabriel Jesus found the net in that match and he’s almost certain to feature when Arsenal travel to Molineux. But recent news suggests his spell with the north London club may be nearing its end. The Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news at the Emirates, including Arteta’s new plan involving another of his star strikers.
Gabriel Jesus contract update
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Since making his comeback from injury, Jesus has demonstrated his worth to Arteta. He netted twice during a crucial Champions League victory over Inter Milan last month and also scored in a 4-0 triumph against Leeds United.
However, the 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 2027 and he has yet to sign a new agreement. He has maintained that he is content with the Gunners, but recent developments suggest otherwise.
Football.London reports that currently, discussions haven’t even commenced with Jesus regarding a fresh contract. Indeed, they suggest there’s no indication talks will ever begin, possibly implying that he could shortly depart the club.
That forms part of Andrea Berta’s more merciless approach to squad choices. Jesus’ public appeals to prolong his tenure could be ignored as a consequence of his worrying fitness history.
Mikel Arteta’s strategy for Bukayo Saka
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Before the victory against Wigan, a pre-match knock to Riccardo Calafiori forced Arteta to change his lineup. Myles Lewis-Skelly was intended to appear in midfield but ultimately filled the left-back spot.
However, in an unexpected decision, Bukayo Saka was the player who assumed Lewis-Skelly’s midfield role. Arsenal netted four times in 16 minutes during the opening period, with Saka’s delivery deflected in for an own goal by Jack Hunt.
Discussing the match afterwards, Arteta confessed he intends to deploy Saka in midfield going forward. The Englishman linked up effectively with Noni Madueke, who assumed responsibilities on the right flank.
Arteta said: “That’s something that’s a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future. There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in this season, and that’s a possibility that we have.”