Arsenal latest: Gabriel Jesus contract talks update as Mikel Arteta has plan for new role

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are preparing to face Wolves on Wednesday in a crunch Premier League clash after easing past Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal could extend their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points with a victory over Wolves on Wednesday. The fixture follows their comfortable FA Cup triumph against Wigan Athletic at the weekend.

The Gunners' most recent league outing saw them held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford, but they swiftly bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 home win over Wigan to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round.

Gabriel Jesus found the net in that match and is expected to play a part when Arsenal travel to Molineux. However, the Brazilian's long-term future at the club remains uncertain.

football.london examines the latest developments at the Emirates Stadium, including a potential new strategy from Arteta regarding one of his key attacking players.

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Gabriel Jesus contract update

Following his return from injury, Jesus has proved his worth to Arteta. The forward scored twice in a crucial Champions League victory over Inter Milan last month and also netted in a comprehensive 4-0 triumph against Leeds United.

Yet with the 28-year-old's current deal running until 2027 and no extension signed, questions remain over his future. Whilst Jesus has publicly expressed his contentment at the club, it is a more complex situation behind the scenes.

football.london understands that at present, contract discussions with Jesus haven't even commenced. There's also no indication that talks will begin anytime soon, potentially signalling his impending departure from the club.

This aligns with Andrea Berta's more cutthroat approach to squad management. Jesus has made public pleas to extend his stay, but they may be snubbed due to his injury history.

Mikel Arteta's strategy for Bukayo Saka

During the victory against Wigan, a pre-match injury to Riccardo Calafiori prompted Arteta to alter his line-up. Myles Lewis-Skelly was originally set to play in midfield but was instead deployed in his usual left-back position.

In an unexpected tactical switch, Bukayo Saka was the player who filled Lewis-Skelly's midfield role. Arsenal netted four goals within 16 first-half minutes, with one of Saka's deliveries deflected in as an own goal by Jack Hunt.

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Speaking post-match, Arteta confirmed he'd like to deploy Saka in midfield at times going forward. The England international linked up effectively with Noni Madueke, who operated on the right flank.

Arteta said: "That's something that's a possibility and I wanted to try it, and we might use it in the future. There are still so many games, competitions and different scenarios to play in this season, and that's a possibility that we have."