Arsenal are ‘beginning to scope out the market’ for a new striker following Gabriel Jesus’ injury setback, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Gunners only have one fit natural option upfront in Eddie Nketiah and may be tempted to add some cover and competition in the fast-approaching winter transfer window.

Arsenal transfer news – Striker

Arsenal confirmed that Jesus has undergone successful surgery on a knee problem picked up at the World Cup with Brazil, but Mikel Arteta revealed he doesn’t have a return date for him.

“No,” said Arteta when asked if he knew when Jesus would be fit again. “Obviously we know that he needed some intervention in the knee, and we will have to take (it) day by day, week by week and see, where it takes us.”

And when asked about the chances of signing a replacement for the Brazil international in January, the 40-year-old tactician admitted that Arsenal ‘will look at the options’.

“Where it affects us is who we are as a team, because he gives us so much,” Arteta said. “So, what we can do after that, when we know a little bit the timescale and when we can have him back, we will look at the options, and try to make the right decision.”

What has Jones said about Arsenal?

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that Arsenal are assessing their options in the market but that they need to be ‘sensible’ given Jesus’ integral nature to the team.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

He said: “They are beginning to scope out the market for opportunities but need a sensible option because when Jesus returns, he will go straight back in as the focal point of the side.

“There is little time to blend someone into the system, and Jesus had a really good run-up to the season because he joined so early.”

Who could Arsenal sign?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed in a column for CaughtOffside that Joao Felix is ‘open to leaving’ Atletico Madrid as ‘there are tensions with Diego Simeone’.

And Spanish sources have listed Arsenal among the Portugal international’s list of potential suitors over the last few months, while Jones has previously informed GMS that the north London outfit have monitored his progress for a long time.

Felix is not a natural centre-forward but has played the role on 31 occasions throughout his senior career, according to Transfermarkt, scoring 12 times and providing eight assists.

The 23-year-old’s versatility may also be an appealing aspect to Arteta, although it remains to be seen if Arsenal can afford his presumably sizeable price tag.