Arsenal told it's time to sell £45m star Mikel Arteta pushed for

Arsenal have not been afraid to splash the cash this summer but it has left a few players nervously keeping their eyes on their futures at the Emirates Stadium for the coming campaign

Arsenal have been told that they should bid a fond farewell to Gabriel Jesus this summer by Gunners icon Alan Smith. The Brazilian striker has endured a rollercoaster stint at the Emirates following a £45m move from Manchester City.

Jesus, 28, has scored 26 goals in 96 appearances in all competitions. But his time as a Gunner has been decimated by injuries - a serious injury prematurely curtailing his season last term.

And Smith now believes the time is now right for the striker to be moved on, especially following the big-money arrival of former Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres. Speaking to Metro, the former Arsenal man said: “I think somebody like Gabriel Jesus might go given his track record with injuries.

“He might be one that you say, thanks, and try and move him on, get a bit of money in. Obviously, with Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, there might not be too many opportunities for him this season.”

And while Smith believes this summer might be the right time to go separate ways with Jesus, he has urged Mikel Arteta to keep hold of wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli despite reported interest in Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo.

He added: “I would be tempted to keep Leandro Trossard because he’s a versatile player who’s done well and scored important goals. I don’t think you’d want to lose him. And the same with Martinelli actually – he didn’t have the best of seasons, but I think you definitely want to keep him.”

Jesus has already spoken out on his future at Arsenal. Speaking in January, he suggested that he was not ready to admit defeat in his attempts to become the Gunners’ main man in attack.

He said: “I keep working and everyone at the club can tell how I work every day, not just me but everyone. I don't give up and it is not easy to play for a big club like Arsenal. Now I can score and I am very happy - I want to keep scoring to help the team.”

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As it stands, it appears unlikely that a summer exit will be on the cards for Jesus. He is expected to be sidelined for some time yet as he continues his recovery from his knee injury. Jesus remains under contract in North London until the summer of 2027.

Arsenal get their new season underway next weekend as they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United.