Arsenal handed Gabriel Jesus transfer dilemma as Gabriel Martinelli ends Man City run

Arsenal produced a huge statement of intent on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Premier League title rivals Manchester City. Gabriel Martinelli marked his return from injury with a fortunate finish off Nathan Ake to send the Gunners joint-top of the table.

The victory was the perfect response to Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to RC Lens in the UEFA Champions League. After keeping Erling Haaland and Phil Foden quiet, the north Londoners earned their first win against the Citizens since 2015.

Mikel Arteta’s men are now level on points with Tottenham at the head of the Premier League table after eight games ahead of the second international break of the season. Here is your daily Gunners news digest for Monday, October 9.

Huge title boost

For the first time in eight years, Arsenal have defeated Manchester City. A tight affair at the Emirates Stadium ended in Martinelli’s deflected effort being the difference to give Arteta’s side a huge three points.

The win is their sixth of the 2023/24 season and rounds off a busy start to October in the perfect manner. Here, read how football.london rated the Arsenal squad.

Jesus transfer claim

Reports in Italy suggest that Napoli have identified Gabriel Jesus as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen as the star’s future continues to be the centre of immense speculation. Osimhen has just over 18 months left on his current deal in Naples but is said to have no intention of extending.

It comes during a time whereby there has been mass change at the Serie A champions with Luciano Spalletti departing after winning the title. Osimhen was also publicly humiliated by the club’s social media channels last month which soured relationships.

Now, Calciomercato says that Jesus is top of the shortlist being made to replace him. Although there are other names being considered including Alvaro Morata and Jonathan David, there is no certainty over a deal being done and it is internally accepted that signing Jesus would be extremely tough.

Pedro Neto move

It’s not transfer season yet but Arsenal are certainly being linked to some potential new names already. As well as the Jesus rumour, reports suggest that first moves have been made when it comes to signing Wolves forward Pedro Neto.

The 23-year-old has been on the Arsenal radar for a while but struggled previously with injury. Now, with a stellar start to the 2023/24 campaign, Neto is of interest for the Gunners once more.

It is said that contact has been made with Neto’s agent, Jorge Mendes, who also represents Fabio Vieira. Neto reportedly could cost as much as £60million after getting four assists and a goal inside the opening seven games of the season. Arsenal, meanwhile, are struggling with injuries to their frontline.