Mikel Arteta faces being without an Arsenal star until 2026, with the Spaniard dealt a serious blow after an injury update from N5.
Arsenal title hopes fading after more dropped points at Forest
The Gunners are already having to face the notion of this Premier League title race possibly being over, considering Liverpool are now 13 points clear after what has become a disastrous week for Arteta’s side.
£130k-per-week striker dreams of playing for Arsenal as Ayto prepares bid
The Gunners are chasing a centre-forward this summer.
ByEmilio GalantiniFeb 25, 2025
Liverpool travelled to English champions Man City and secured a vital victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday before easing past Newcastle on Wednesday evening, taking full advantage of Arsenal’s fumble at home to West Ham followed by a 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest.
Man Utd (away)
March 9th
Chelsea (home)
March 16th
Fulham (home)
April 1st
Everton (away)
April 5th
Arsenal’s lack of a striking option was on full display once again on Wednesday as they failed to break Forest down time and time again, with makeshift front man Mikel Merino registering their only shot on target after Riccardo Calafiori had hit the post.
Arteta’s best hopes of winning a first piece of major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020 lie in Arsenal’s Champions League campaign, with interim sporting director Jason Ayto planning summer recruitment ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next term.
Following long-term injuries to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, some reports have even suggested that Arsenal could look to sign two strikers before 2025/2026.
RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko is apparently a top target for Arteta, with a move for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak appearing too difficult, while it is also believed that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins remains on Arsenal’s radar after their failed January bid.
Arsenal could be without Gabriel Jesus until 2026
Now, according to journalist Steve Kay, the need for a new centre-forward or two is made all the more prevalent by the extent of Jesus’ injury. The £265,0000-per-week striker was just hitting a rich vein of form, before rupturing his ACL during Arsenal’s FA Cup third round defeat to Man United, and it appears he could be out for the foreseeable.
Kay, speaking on KS1 TV, says that Jesus could be out injured for Arsenal until 2026, with the Brazilian facing a leave of absence for the rest of this calendar year in a major blow for the Gunners and Arteta.
“Yeah, with Ollie Watkins. I had a conversation today with the main man, and Arsenal aren’t going away from Ollie Watkins,” said journalist Steve Kay.
“Because of the injury to Gabriel Jesus, he may not be expected back until possibly into 2026, maybe November, late, late. I’ve been told that Ollie Watkins is still on the agenda because they need two strikers.
“That £40m will stay on the table and if Watkins is happy to come, he will come. I’ve also been told this will not affect going in for a main striker like a Sesko. It won’t be any more than £40m. £40m is the only number I know of, it may be a bit lower than that because it’s another year.”
