Darren Bent insists Gabriel Jesus has been a ‘brilliant’ signing for but claims a flop would score more goals for the Gunners.
Jesus enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career following a £50m move from last summer but was then ruled out for several months after injuring his knee during Brazil’s campaign.
The 26-year-old returned to action in March and scored six goals in Arsenal’s final 10 games as Mikel Arteta’s side finished second, five points behind Manchester City.
While Bent says Jesus has been ‘brilliant’ for Arsenal, he admits he is often left ‘frustrated’ by the Brazilian and claims Romelu Lukaku would be a more prolific goalscorer for the Gunners.
Chelsea spent almost £100m to re-sign Lukaku in the summer of 2021 but the Belgian struggled last season before being sent back to Inter Milan on loan.
Lukaku is due to return to Stamford Bridge this summer but both the player and the club are ready to cut ties, with a permanent move to Italy likely.
Asked if would take Lukaku at Arsenal, ex-England striker and Gunners supporter Bent told : ‘Yes, without a doubt. I’m not getting rid of anyone but I’ll have him.
‘He would get us more goals than Gabriel Jesus. What Jesus has done at Arsenal was brilliant, but there were times where he’d frustrate me because he wasn’t in the box enough.
‘There were times when the ball was flashed across the box and nobody was there. He was on the edge of the box. But Lukaku – you know he’s going to be in there. ‘I would star Romelu Lukaku down the middle over Gabriel Jesus.’
Premier League runners-up Arsenal are expected to bolster Arteta’s attacking options this summer and club legend .
‘Arsenal need a centre forward,’ he told . ‘They need someone who is going to get them 25 goals a season.
‘I’m not having a go at Gabriel Jesus. He’s a very good player and he’s been a brilliant signing. But he’s not going to get you the goals you need on his own.
‘The other day against Brighton, I don’t remember him ever looking like scoring. Jesus can play anywhere. So if you buy a striker he could still get in the team. He could play with a striker.
‘Arsenal’s squad is bare. It wasn’t strong enough to win the league. They need to buy players. Top quality players.
‘Manchester City are head and shoulders above everybody. So you need to get stronger just to compete.
‘Ivan Toney would have suited Arsenal, but that won’t happen now because of his ban.
‘Romelu Lukaku might be available. The 30-year-old is an out-and-out centre-forward. He will stay up front and back into players. That might help Arsenal.’
, .
,  and .
