Mikel Arteta is ready to unleash a new Arsenal strikeforce after Viktor Gyokeres struggles | OneFootball

Gabriel Jesus’s eye-catching cameo has given his manager food for thought

Gyokeres and Jesus can both play as a central striker, while Mikel Merino is an option there, too, and Kai Havertz will be when back from injury.

Arteta has already spoken about how Gyokeres and Havertz could play in the same side, and believes it’s the same case with Jesus.

That would be very strong and ... something we have not had yet

“That would be very strong and both players probably like to play a little bit shifted to the left side and can interchange in that position, which is something we have not had yet,” said Arteta.

“And that would put an extra body closer to the box in central positions so is something we can work on. We must make sure we keep them fit to have many options.

“I think we have very strong personnel. That position is how we field them together at the same time, which is very difficult in terms of the context of the game, but I am very happy with the players we have.

“So far, of six months of the competition, we have not had more than two of them at the same time. Hopefully we will be in that position.”

Gyokeres led the line for Arsenal against Club Brugge on Wednesday, where they ran out 3-0 winners.

It was the Swede’s first start since the beginning of last month and he managed an hour before coming off.

Struggles: Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gyokeres has failed to set the world alight since his summer move from Sporting and he has, so far, scored six goals for Arsenal.

But Arteta is convinced the striker will come good and has backed him to find form.

“I think we have to put the player in the best possible condition to explode and fulfil his potential,” said Arteta.

“And then there are certain things that within the role, in the manner that we play, have to be fulfilled. That is a combination of both.

“Then it is not only that, more important are the connections and the players around him at the end.

“Those interactions, those understandings, how it develops, and before the injury I think he was in a great place.

“I think it took him a while at the beginning, because it was a different league, different demands and he had no pre-season.

“Now he is starting to get again some momentum. The goals will come and we are going to be very pleased with him.”