Glenn Murray thinks Arsenal possibly signing Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha this summer would be ‘absolutely brilliant’, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
The former Premier League striker added that ‘both are still young’, 25, and they would ask questions of Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe.
With Arsenal returning to Europe next season, Mikel Arteta needs depth to his squad that struggled to secure Champions League football last term.
That lack of depth played a part in the Gunners being pipped to fourth spot by their bitter rivals Tottenham, who in January, added to their squad, whilst their neighbours stood still.
Well, with the summer transfer window wide open, a number of South American stars have been tipped to move to the capital, as Murray shared his thoughts on the club’s links with Richarlison and Jesus.
“I think Raphinha and Jesus are absolutely brilliant signings,” said Murray. “Both are still young. They are younger than you think. They seem to have been around a long time, both are only 25. Both are Brazilian.
“They will have a good understanding between each other and they are asking questions of Martinelli and Smith Rowe. They have to up their game.
“I am a really big fan of Martinelli. I think there is a lot to come from him. I just don’t think he has quite found his right position yet or balance in that side. Nketiah, we have just seen him sign a new long-term contract. A little bit of an unknown quantity, at the minute.
“Arsenal couldn’t let him walk out of the door after what he did last year. But then they couldn’t pin their main striker hopes on him for a whole season. Jesus coming to the club, again, it’s a bit of an unknown quantity. He hasn’t really played through the middle in that Manchester City side – my worry is he has never scored more than 14 Premier League goals. I think it’s a cute signing by Arteta if it comes off.”
JESUS NEEDED MORE THAN RAPHINHA
If Arsenal fans had a choice to pick between the two, then Jesus would probably be the one they would push for because of his ability to play down the middle.
Bukayo Saka is the man who occupies the right flank and he, just like Raphinha, did a pretty good job last time out scoring 11 Premier League goals.
But it’s a striker that is needed, and whilst Manchester City’s versatile forward plays across the front three a lot of the time, he would probably earn more minutes up front if he moved to the Emirates.
Either way, that’s where the big money should land from the Europa League side this summer, on a striker, else they won’t get anywhere near to competing with the elite once more.
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