Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko admit they are disappointed with their displays for Arsenal this season and have vowed to come back ‘stronger’.
Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League this term but missed out on the final day of the campaign, with Pep Guardiola beating West Ham to clinch their fourth straight title.
It meant that Arsenal ultimately ended the season trophyless, but Mikel Arteta continues to earn plenty of plaudits for the progress he has overseen since taking over the reins from Unai Emery in December 2019.
While the majority of Arsenal’s most high-profile players will be proud of their contribution, the likes of Jesus and Zinchenko have faced heavy criticism from some quarters and the club could move away from the duo in the summer transfer window.
Jesus managed a total of just four goals in the league and lost his place to Kai Havertz in the back-end of the season, while Zinchenko dropped down the pecking order as he struggled for fitness and form.
The Gunners have identified several potential targets in attack and at left-back as they look to strengthen ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and widespread reports suggest both Jesus and Zinchenko face uncertain futures in north London.
But one thing is for sure – the former Manchester City pair are hopeful of turning their fortunes around if given the chance by Arteta next season.
‘Not the best season for me personally, things didn’t go as I planned, but i couldn’t be prouder of the team I’m part of,’ Jesus told his 1.8 million followers on X, formerly Twitter, this afternoon.
‘This group is amazing and we’re showing that season after season.
‘Now it’s time to rest and prepare to be healthier next season. We’ll be back stronger and ready for it! Let’s go, Gunners!’
In a message to Arsenal fans on Instagram, Zinchenko said he ‘understood’ he was some way from his best this season and ‘promised’ to return ‘much stronger’.
‘Proud of the team and happy to be one of you Gunners,’ the Ukrainian wrote.
‘The club’s season is over now and unfortunately we didn’t get what we wanted but I am sure this club is on the right way to achieve everything.
‘Personally I completely understand that it wasn’t my best season so far and I promise first of all to all fans and doubters that I’ll be back much stronger.
‘Thank you so much for your massive support and see you very soon. #COYG.’
Recent reports indicated Arsenal could be prepared to listen to offers for Jesus this summer, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak all mooted as possible replacements for the Brazilian.
However, Arteta refuted these claims as he addressed the media ahead of Arsenal’s 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth earlier this month.
‘I don’t know where this is coming from,’ the Spaniard told reporters.
Pressed further on whether he has any intention of allowing Jesus to leave, Arteta said: ‘No. no.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Gareth Bale rates Ange Postecoglou’s debut season and identifies Spurs’ ‘biggest problem’
MORE : ‘Don’t be desperate’ – Michael Owen fires transfer warning to Arsenal and questions Ivan Toney
MORE : Marcus Rashford sends message to Gareth Southgate after England squad snub for Euro 2024
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
