Chelsea legend John Terry has issued a bold warning to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, claiming that Arsenal will never win the Premier League with a particular player in the squad. Although Terry didn’t specify the player, he was adamant that it wasn’t Kai Havertz, Thomas Partey, or Oleksandr Zinchenko who posed the problem. Instead, Terry suggested that if Arteta is serious about leading Arsenal to Premier League glory, he must part ways with this unnamed “bad egg” who, according to Terry, hinders the team’s progress.
This criticism comes at a time when Gabriel Jesus, one of Arsenal’s most crucial players, is fighting to cement his position in Arteta’s plans. Despite facing a challenging season plagued by injuries, Jesus has shown a fierce determination to stay at Arsenal and prove his worth. His future was a topic of much debate over the summer, especially with Arsenal making high-profile signings like Kai Havertz for £65 million, and with lucrative transfer offers from Saudi Arabia reportedly on the table. Many speculated that these factors could signal the end of Jesus’ time in North London.
However, Jesus has returned this season with renewed vigor, determined to secure his place in Arsenal’s starting lineup. This determination was on full display in Arsenal’s opening match of the season against Wolves, where Jesus played a pivotal role in the team’s 2-0 victory. His performance sent a clear message to both fans and management: he is far from finished at the Emirates. Following the match, it was confirmed that Jesus remains central to Arteta’s tactical plans, and the club does not intend to sign a new striker in the near future.
Despite tempting offers, including rumored bids of around £60 million from Saudi Pro League clubs, Jesus has made it clear that he is committed to competing for his place at Arsenal. Manager Mikel Arteta has publicly acknowledged Jesus’ commitment and rewarded his ambition. After the victory over Wolves, Arteta expressed his satisfaction with his current attacking options, signaling that the Brazilian forward is very much part of his long-term plans.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Arteta reaffirmed his belief in Jesus’ ability and outlined his confidence in the rest of the squad’s attacking options. He praised not only Jesus but also Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, emphasizing the diverse talents they bring to the team. Arteta made it clear that his strategy is to trust the players he has, helping them to improve and develop further. According to the Arsenal manager, “the best thing we can do is trust our players and help them improve. They are talented and committed, and that’s where our focus lies.”
Arteta’s faith in Jesus isn’t new. He has been vocal about the Brazilian’s hard work and progress, particularly after the team’s pre-season tour in the United States. Jesus had a standout performance during the 2-1 victory over Manchester United, where he scored the equalizer. Arteta praised the forward for his dedication to improving his physical condition over the summer break, commenting that Jesus had made significant changes to his fitness regime.
Arteta’s words of praise after the United match were glowing: “He looks really sharp. He has changed a lot of things during the break and has returned in top condition. When a player has that solid foundation, you can build on it. Without it, they can’t perform at their best. He’s realized that, and I’m very pleased with what he’s shown.”
Elsewhere in the football world, the transfer market remains in full swing, with several top clubs vying for emerging talents. Reports have emerged that both Manchester City and Liverpool sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen’s recent 3-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Their primary focus? Observing two of Europe’s most exciting young prospects: Florian Wirtz of Leverkusen and Jamal Musiala of Bayern. Both players are regarded as future stars, not only in Germany but across Europe.
Liverpool has been closely linked with both Wirtz and Musiala, but Manchester City’s recent interest suggests that the race for their signatures could be highly competitive. Musiala, who moved to Bayern from Chelsea’s youth academy in 2019, has quickly become one of the Bundesliga’s standout players. At just 20 years old, Musiala has already made 150 senior appearances for Bayern, contributing 38 goals and 26 assists. His potential departure could be a major blow to Bayern, as he is viewed as one of the cornerstones of their future.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has hit a stumbling block. Although the London club is eager to secure Osimhen’s services before the transfer window closes, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is holding firm on his €130 million (£110.8 million) release clause for the prolific forward. Chelsea, however, is only interested in taking Osimhen on loan, unwilling to meet the hefty transfer fee. This impasse has complicated negotiations, especially after Chelsea’s earlier attempts to sign Samu Omorodion fell through over personal terms.
As for Musiala, his future remains uncertain. With only two years remaining on his Bayern contract, and no signs of an extension, clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain are circling. Manchester City appears to be leading the race for the talented playmaker, a move that could potentially see Musiala continue his rise to stardom in the Premier League. Musiala’s decision will likely shape the future trajectory of his career, and his next destination is a topic of significant interest in the footballing world.