Arsenal are reportedly preparing for a major squad overhaul in the January transfer window, with journalist Pete O’Rourke revealing that the Gunners are considering parting ways with star forwards Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard. The duo, who collectively earn £355,000 per week, could be on their way out of the Emirates Stadium as manager Mikel Arteta looks to streamline his squad following a £255m summer spending spree that brought in forwards Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke.
A Crowded Forward Line
The arrivals of Gyokeres, Eze, and Madueke have significantly bolstered Arsenal’s attacking options, but they have also intensified competition for places in Arteta’s starting XI. With promising academy starlet Max Dowman emerging as a potential first-team option, opportunities for Jesus and Trossard to secure regular playing time appear limited.
Gabriel Jesus, who earns £265,000 per week, has been sidelined since January due to an ACL injury but is expected to return to full fitness later this autumn. However, O’Rourke suggests that Jesus will likely find himself behind both Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in the pecking order once all players are fit. Havertz, who recently underwent surgery to address a knee injury sustained during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United, is also expected to reclaim his spot in the squad soon.
Leandro Trossard, on a £90,000-a-week contract, has struggled to cement a regular starting role this season. The Belgian international has made just one appearance in Arsenal’s first three Premier League matches, coming off the bench in their emphatic 5-0 win over Leeds. With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Eze, Madueke, and Dowman all vying for attacking roles, Trossard’s game time could remain limited.
Potential January Exits
According to O’Rourke, Arsenal’s management may look to offload both players in January if their situations do not improve. Trossard, in particular, has been linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas, who reportedly explored a deal for the forward before the Turkish transfer window closed. While GIVEMESPORT’s senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal have no immediate plans to part ways with Trossard—having recently agreed a new contract with the Belgian in August, which increased his salary—O’Rourke believes a lack of playing time could force a rethink.
For Jesus, the situation appears even more precarious. The Brazilian was notably omitted from Arsenal’s 25-man Champions League squad for the current campaign, with the teenage sensation Dowman included instead. Jesus, who made 27 appearances last season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists, has not featured since Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in January. His absence from the European squad has fueled speculation about his long-term future at the club.
Strategic Squad Management
Arsenal’s decision to potentially move on from Jesus and Trossard comes after a significant financial outlay in the summer transfer window. The £255m investment in new attacking talent reflects Arteta’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title and making a deep run in the Champions League. However, with such a crowded forward line, the club may look to recoup funds and create space for younger players like Dowman to develop.
The potential departures of Jesus and Trossard would mark a bold shift in Arsenal’s squad dynamics, signaling Arteta’s willingness to prioritize form and long-term potential over established names. While Jesus’ experience and versatility have been valuable since his arrival from Manchester City, his injury struggles and the emergence of Gyokeres as a prolific goal-scoring option could render him surplus to requirements. Similarly, Trossard’s flair and goal-scoring ability may not be enough to secure his place in a highly competitive attacking unit.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal to see how Arteta manages his squad. The Gunners have started the Premier League season strongly, with their 5-0 thrashing of Leeds showcasing the depth and quality of their attacking options. However, integrating new signings while maintaining squad harmony will be a key challenge for Arteta.
For Jesus and Trossard, the coming months will be critical. Increased playing time could solidify their positions in the squad, but failure to break into the starting lineup may see them seeking new challenges elsewhere. With clubs already reportedly circling for Trossard and Jesus’ future uncertain, Arsenal fans could be in for a dramatic transfer window as the club looks to balance ambition with pragmatism.