West Ham must secure 'blindingly obvious' loan as Arsenal transfer list player - opinion

West Ham won’t want to be thinking much about London rivals Arsenal right now, having been beaten 2-0 by the Gunners before the international break, but there appears to be a blindingly obvious transfer move that the Hammers should make come January.

There are some buds of optimism around the London Stadium under the new tenure of Nuno Espirito Santo but, with the transfer window closed, the former Nottingham Forest boss can do little to mould the team to his liking.

Nuno and West Ham will have to wait until January to do that and, even then, getting deals over the line during the winter window is notoriously hard.

West Ham must push for ‘blindingly obvious’ Arsenal loan

One move that seems to make sense for all parties is a loan swoop for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus. ESPN Brazil claim that the Gunners are ready to transfer list the forward come the New Year with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz both ahead of him in the pecking order.

According to the outlet’s André Hernan and Bruno Andrade, a move to a European club is on the cards for Jesus, despite interest from Brazil. Hernan said: “Gabriel Jesus looks much more towards staying in Europe than coming back to Brazil.

“Palmeiras made an approach earlier this year. Leila Pereira [Palmeiras’ president] even called before the club moved for Vitor Roque. But the response was that now isn’t the right time for him to return.”

Jesus has been out of action since January with a serious knee injury but is expected to return in November. Before his injury, Jesus was in fine form with six goals in six matches.

Gabriel Jesus is certified Premier League bagsman

This is a player who is a certified Premier League bagsman. The former Manchester City man has 76 top flight goals to his name and knows where to find the back of the net.

That is exactly what West Ham need. Niclas Fullkrug has only sparkled in moments since his £27 million move from Borussia Dortmund last year and is terribly injury prone.

Callum Wilson was snapped up on a free transfer this summer but Nuno turned to young Callum Marshall from the bench against Arsenal, suggesting he is not too convinced by the 33-year-old.

Jesus has his own injury problems, but a loan move would make it relatively risk free for West Ham. It’s perhaps in the best interest for Arsenal and the player too.

If the striker was to find form again at the London Stadium, Arsenal would be able to sell him for a significantly higher fee next summer than in January. Meanwhile, Jesus has ground to make up to get in the Brazil squad for the World Cup next summer, and proving himself again in the top flight is a surefire way to impress Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti.

In other news, Ex West Ham boss Graham Potter could swap Bowen and Fullkrug for £189m striker duo in new job.