Jay Bothroyd, a Sky Sports pundit, has made a bold suggestion regarding Arsenal’s lineup, proposing that Gabriel Jesus should be deployed on the left wing instead of his usual forward position. This would mean dropping Gabriel Martinelli to the bench. Bothroyd believes that Jesus performs better in wide areas and that Arsenal needs a top-class striker to allow Jesus to shift to the left wing.
Bothroyd elaborated on his vision, stating that Jesus’s most productive seasons have been when he played from wide positions and that he doesn’t score enough goals to be considered an elite striker. He suggested that if Arsenal signs a top number nine, Jesus could be moved to the left, Saka to the right, and Martinelli would go to the bench.
While this idea might seem controversial, it highlights the importance of having multiple high-caliber options in every position to reach elite status. Arsenal already boasts a strong attacking lineup, but adding another top-tier striker could elevate the team’s competitiveness and provide Mikel Arteta with greater tactical versatility.
Bothroyd’s comments spark an interesting debate about Arsenal’s needs and the roles of their strikers. While Jesus has been a valuable addition to the team, his goal-scoring record is not that of a traditional striker. The possibility of adding another high-quality striker to the lineup could provide Arteta with the flexibility to rotate his attackers and ensure that each player can rest when needed. Ultimately, the decision depends on Arsenal’s transfer strategy and their ambitions for the upcoming season.
