Jamie Redknapp sends Mikel Arteta transfer message as Arsenal star extends amazing record
Gabriel Jesus scored another two goals for Arsenal to put Crystal Palace to the sword at Selhurst Park and Mikel Arteta has been told that the Brazilian should stay in his team
by Dan Marsh · The MirrorArsenal should keep Gabriel Jesus around even if they opt to sign a new striker in January, says Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.
The Brazilian striker, 27, ended a long goal drought with a hat-trick against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in midweek. And he piled even more misery on the Eagles by scoring twice in Saturday's thumping 5-1 win in the Premier League.
Jesus has come under fire from some quarters for not hitting as many goals as expected since joining from Manchester City and there has been speculation Arsenal will try to sign a new No.9 once the transfer window reopens.
But Redknapp reckons Jesus has proved this week that there is a place for him in Mikel Arteta's squad - regardless of what happens in January.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp said of Jesus: "That was a big result. In this last week they've realised they've got a player still at this club who can do a job and a really good job at that. It's important he scores goals, he's got to stay fit and if they get someone else in January, so be it, but just have him, a player who can start and effect games, or even come off the bench, is so important."
Jesus cut a defiant figure when he was asked about his fruitful week in front of goal following Saturday's win, which means he has still not lost after scoring in a Premier League fixture: a run which now stands at a sensational 61 matches.
And he declared he was ready for more after seeing the post deny him what would have been a second treble of the week.
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The former Manchester City man told Sky Sports: "I am very happy with the goals as a number nine, I know the pressure is always on to score. I am happy but the win, the three points, was massive today."
“I’m the type of guy that wants to work hard. I know my qualities. I know I can score. In my mind I know I can score, I just have to put myself in a good position to finish the action like today. I put two in the net and missed one that I will be dreaming of."
He added: "When I play with a smile on my face everything is different, so I am trying to keep my mind strong and just help the team. I understand I have to be more in the box to finish the action.
"It is great to be back in the team playing more. I am experienced enough and know when a player is playing constantly it is different. I am happy to get more chances but it is up to me to put myself in the right places to score.
"It is Arsenal, it is a huge club and I know the pressure for the number nine to score is there."
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