Newcastle United’s potential pursuit of Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has met with strong skepticism, especially from former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
Speaking on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson warned Newcastle to “pull the plug” on any deal for Jesus, highlighting the need for a more reliable goalscorer to strengthen their front line. For Newcastle, it’s a critical moment as they look to bolster their squad, with questions about current striker Alexander Isak’s future and recent injury struggles.
The talk of Jesus possibly joining the Magpies comes amid growing rumors surrounding Isak. With Eddie Howe seeking reinforcements, especially in the attack, Newcastle could be tempted to turn to a player with Jesus’s versatility. But Robinson suggests that Jesus may not be the right answer, urging Newcastle to focus on securing an out-and-out No. 9 who can offer consistent scoring power, something the club has lacked due to Isak and Callum Wilson’s recurring injuries.
In Robinson’s view, Jesus’s goal drought at Arsenal raises questions about his potential fit for Newcastle’s needs. With only one goal in 14 appearances this season and no Premier League goals since January, Jesus is hardly the prolific scorer that Newcastle might want leading the line. Robinson argues that this is precisely the issue Arsenal face—having a talented forward who doesn’t find the back of the net frequently enough. Robinson advised Newcastle to avoid repeating Arsenal’s struggle with an unreliable main striker.
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In a candid assessment of Jesus’s performance at Arsenal, Robinson emphasized, “He just doesn’t score goals.” The Arsenal forward’s ability to play in various roles is valuable, but Robinson believes Newcastle need someone who can be a focal point in the box rather than a versatile forward. He mentioned that if Newcastle were to bring in Jesus to play wide, he wouldn’t be an upgrade over Joelinton, making the move less attractive.
This insight comes at a time when Newcastle are reportedly weighing their options with Isak, whose own injury issues have left them thin up front. Despite being the primary choice, Isak’s inconsistency due to fitness concerns means that Howe is actively seeking a reliable alternative. Robinson’s comments reflect a practical approach for Newcastle, who are in need of a forward who can be both consistent and clinical in front of goal.
Arsenal, too, are grappling with their forward situation, frequently being linked to more traditional No. 9s to address their lack of firepower. Kai Havertz has performed well, but Robinson notes that a consistent goal-scoring striker would elevate Arsenal’s results. It’s a telling parallel for Newcastle, who need to avoid the same pitfalls by seeking a dependable striker capable of delivering goals regularly.
Newcastle’s potential move for Jesus also comes amid rumors linking them to “the best in the world” Alexander Isak, a player Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in. However, if Newcastle were to hold onto Isak and simply add another forward, Robinson believes they should prioritize a player who can immediately increase their goal tally, ensuring they’re not left relying on players with patchy records in front of the net.
With two years remaining on his Arsenal contract, Jesus may be content where he is, but it’s less certain whether Arsenal feels the same. Newcastle’s decision could impact both clubs, and Robinson’s advice to Newcastle to stay focused on goal-scoring consistency may prove essential as they weigh their options in a vital transfer window.
