Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on Gunners fans to show Gabriel Jesus some love after a tough start to the 2024/25 season for the Brazil star.
Jesus netted just four Premier League goals last season, as injuries impacted his consistency, and his starting place has slipped away in recent months.
Kai Havertz has established himself as Mikel Arteta's first choice central attacker, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli/Leandro Trossard.
That means the former Manchester City forward has made just one EPL start since the beginning of the campaign and is yet to find the back of the net in any competition in 2024/25.
A lack of regular action has opened up rumours of the 27-year-old looking to move on in January despite Arteta's preference for wanting to keep his experience in the squad.
Wright offered his view on Jesus' place at the Emirates Stadium, and despite acknowledging the frustration over his form, he wants fans to back him through a difficult patch.
"Can I just say something about Gabriel Jesus because I feel the need to support him right now", he said on Wrighty's House podcast,
"I know there's a feeling we may have outgrown him, but remember when Gabby came, he was a leveller, he levelled us up.
"Arsenal are at a certain level now, but we will definitely need him at some stage, so I think it's important in this moment for the Arsenal fans to support him.
"They have to get behind him. Don't be frustrated with the way he's playing.
"He's trying so hard at the moment and we're going to need him. We need to make sure we give him confidence because he's won the Premier League four times. He's been clutch in many situations before.
"Listening to the murmurings and the way the fans are… please, man, back this guy, stay with him. He wants to do so well and it’s just not happening right now, but he needs support, he really, really does."
Wright's comments hint at a confidence over Arteta bringing Jesus into his plans as the campaign intensifies in coming weeks.
Arsenal return to action at Bournemouth on October 19 before hosting Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League three days later.
