'Arsenal enter the race': Mikel Arteta could now sign £30m striker who plays like Vinicius Junior - journalist

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Arsenal have exactly two weeks to sign a new striker before the February 3rd transfer deadline.

The Gunners desperately need a new attacker to keep their Premier League title hopes alive – with Liverpool currently six points ahead of Arsenal and also in possession of a game in hand.

Not only has Mikel Arteta lost Gabriel Jesus to a serious injury, but Bukayo Saka is also set to be absent until March – so Arsenal badly need someone to help the likes of Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling in attack.

Now – according to Brazilian journalist Eduardo Burgos – Arsenal have entered the race to sign Igor Jesus from Botafogo.

Arsenal could sign Igor Jesus

The respected journalist has taken to X (previously known as Twitter) to elaborate on a post from Ben Jacobs – claiming that Arsenal are now in the race to sign the Brazilian striker.

Burgos states that “informal talks” have taken place regarding Jesus, who Arsenal have been watching throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

In full, the journalist wrote: “Arsenal enter the race for Igor Jesus. The Gunners have kept their eye on the striker throughout the season. Informal chats, but nothing more. He is the alternative to other profiles such as (Benjamin) Sesko or Evan Ferguson.”

TBR Football understand Fulham are actually leading the race to sign Jesus – who Botafogo value at £30m – although that move could depend on whether Rodrigo Muniz leaves Craven Cottage.

Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has also been told that Arsenal preferred a different Botafogo attacker in Luiz Henrique, although he is now on his way to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Igor Jesus compares himself to Vinicius Junior

For those unaware of how the 23-year-old plays, he has actually spoken about his style, comparing himself to the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, as well as Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes.

Jesus told FIFA: “The national team has a very pacy attack when you look at players like Vinicius, Rodrygo and Martinelli. I think my game is quite similar to theirs.

“I like to try to attack the spaces and I am mobile. I don't just stay in the box. I am capable of holding onto balls played out by the keeper and holding off defenders, which I think helps to ease the pressure on the team in tough passages of play.”

Now, Jesus could be joining Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal entered the race for his signature.