Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Gabriel Jesus transfer claims as stance made clear

Mikel Arteta has stressed he has no plans to sell Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus this summer.

It was recently reported the Gunners would consider offers for the Brazilian during the transfer window, helping the club to reinvest in a new player in this position.

Jesus' career at Emirates Stadium got off to a flyer last season, scoring four times in his opening eight Premier League games, though a knee injury would keep the forward sidelined from December to Match as Arteta's side challenged for the title. A similar scenario has played out this term, with Jesus again suffering injury issues, enabling the likes of Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard to grasp first-team opportunities.

The 27-year-old is under contract at the club until 2027, having signed from Manchester City in 2022, ensuring Arsenal would recoup a respectable fee if they decide to cash in.

But making clear there are no plans to part ways with the former Manchester City star, Arteta told reporters on Friday afternoon: "I don’t know where this is coming from. No, no intention of letting him leave."

It remains to be seen if this proves to be the case, with a story today emerging Alexander Isak has been identified as a No.1 target for Arteta this summer.

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Isak is expected to cost in excess of £90million, a price tag that may continue to rise if the Swedish star continues his impressive goalscoring run of late. The Newcastle forward has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this term, a tally bettered only by Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland.

Viktor Gyokeres and Ivan Toney are two other names who have been mentioned as possible targets. Toney is likely to the cheapest of the three options and emerged as a target for the club during the January transfer window. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has conceded his star striker is almost certain to move on this summer as the Bees look to cash in on the 28-year-old while he still has one year remaining on his contract.

Gyokeres, who signed for Sporting from Coventry City last summer, has enjoyed a remarkable debut year in Portugal. He is on course to claim the league title with his current employers and will face Porto in the final of the Taca de Portugal later this month. The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion striker has plundered 40 goals while registering 15 assists in the process.