Saudi Arabian club 'shortlist' key Arsenal star Mikel Arteta says 'changed' his team

One of Arsenal’s key stars is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia as the Middle-Eastern nation continues to invest heavily in European-based talent. The Premier League and others leagues have lost plenty of stars to Saudi Arabia over recent times, with the nation’s clubs paying huge wages and inflated transfer fees in a bid to establish their top division as one that compete with Europe’s best.

Some clubs have battled away to keep their players, while others have cashed in, and that dilemma continues as Saudi clubs continue to offer big money. One of Arsenal’s stars has reportedly become a target this summer, with Gabriel Jesus said to be a target for Al-Ahli, who are managed by former RB Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle.

According to reports in Saudi Arabia, the club are considering Arsenal striker Jesus and Tottenham frontman Richarlison as their prime options, bidding to land a forward this summer. Arsenal paid £45million to land Jesus from Manchester City in 2022 and it’s likely they would make at least a £10million profit if they were to sell to Saudi Arabia.

But Jesus has formed an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, and while the Gunners are looking to sign a striker this summer, and while they have Kai Havertz who can also play as a centre-forward, they may not want to lose Jesus, with Eddie Nketiah likely to leave the club this summer.

There have been reports that Arsenal are willing to sell Jesus over recent months, but Arteta denied such claims in May, saying: “I don’t know where this is coming from. No, no.”

What has been said about Arteta’s future

Arteta said of Jesus back in October amid criticism of the striker: “He came here for a reason. I think he changed our world. He brought so much belief and energy to that team. He needs to step up in those moments. He’s done that. That’s when a player becomes accountable for the team. He’s paramount. He has changed our energy. These games are for big players. He has shown that tonight.”

Jesus has also spoken, detailing the injury issues he had last season. He told club media: “It’s tough. I’ve loved playing football since I was three years old so being injured is hard. Last season I think I played my best six months before the World Cup, when I got my knee injury, and everyone knows what happened after. This season has been tough – I missed pre-season, had surgery again and then had a couple more injuries. I’m doing my best to help the team, and hoping to stay fit so I can do a full pre-season this summer. Then it’s a different story.”

He added of his relationship with Arteta: “I’ve learned a lot because I have known him for more than seven years now. Obviously we had a break of three years when he left Manchester City to come to Arsenal before me. I was with him at City for three seasons and he did a lot of work with me, then I came here. He knows me and I know him very well. He’s helped me a lot in the past and he’s helping me now.”