Arteta has already ruled out one potential Jesus replacement for Arsenal ahead of transfer window

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already ruled out one potential Gabriel Jesus replacement ahead of the January transfer window.

Jesus, who was signed by the Gunners for £45million in the summer, underwent surgery on his right knee after suffering an injury while at the World Cup with Brazil.

The striker was forced off in a Seleção’s group stage defeat to Cameroon and reports suggest he could be out for up to three months.

The loss would have come as a bitter blow to Arteta, with his side currently at the top of the table, some five points clear of Manchester City in second place.

With Arsenal hoping to continue their momentum when the Premier League resumes, the north Londoners are likely to dip into the January market to find a Jesus replacement.

Jesus replacements?

Speaking to Jamie Carragher, Arteta seems to rule out playing Gabriel Martinelli in a central striker role as cover for Jesus.

It had been suggested that Martinelli could move inside to cover for his compatriot, especially if Arsenal sign a new winger during the January transfer window as has been reported.

However, in a preview of the Monday Night Football special, which will be shown in full later tonight, the Arsenal boss appeared to rule out playing Martinelli up front.

Arteta told Carragher: “To score more goals Martinelli has to play in the last line and he needs to play wide because it’s his quality.”

Eddie Nketiah, who has netted just three times in all competitions this season, is likely to provide cover for Jesus in the short term.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been tipped to spend big in the January transfer window, with Ukraine ace Mykhaylo Mudryk thought to be wanted by the club.

Combative Palmeiras midfielder Danilo is also said to be of interest to the north Londoners.