Arsenal ‘linked’ with £103m World Cup star after Gabriel Jesus injury

Arsenal are interested in signing Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, according to GiveMeSport. The Gunners are looking to bring in another striker to replace the injured Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus underwent surgery to his right knee this week after picking up an injury during Brazil’s World Cup group stage clash with Cameroon and he now looks likely to be sidelined for a number of months, leaving Arsenal sparse up top. They have been heavily linked with a number of strikers in recent weeks, with Ramos being one of the latest.

Despite already scoring 14 goals for Benfica this season, Ramos wasn’t too well known until Portugal’s thrashing of Switzerland in the World Cup Round of 16. The 21-year-old was controversially brought in to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and went onto run riot against the Swiss defence - netting a hat-trick and also providing an assist for Portugal’s fourth goal.

Ramos had previously attracted the interest of a number of Premier League clubs in summer and has continued to be linked with a switch after his World Cup heroics. However, with his Benfica contract not expiring until 2026, Ramos’ staggering £103.25 million release clause could prove a huge stumbling block for Arsenal. While the Gunners will be eager to add quality to the squad that can compete with Jesus when he returns, however splashing nine figures on a striker in the middle of the season seems like a huge ask.

Meanwhile, the report claims that Leeds United are also interested in signing the forward. If Arsenal are to pursue a deal for Ramos then they will surely be ahead of the Whites in the race for his signature as they sit top of the Premier League and are likely to offer him a much more lucrative salary. However, real competition may come from the likes of Manchester United, who are also desperate to add a goalscorer to their ranks following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Ramos may be tempted by a move to Old Trafford if he is guaranteed first team football and will have less competition for the number nine spot than at the Emirates Stadium.