Arsenal are expected to make a significant move for a top Premier League forward after confirming that Gabriel Jesus will undergo surgery for a knee injury involving his cruciate ligament.

The Brazil international was stretchered off in the first half of Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round match against Manchester United on Sunday, with Mikel Arteta’s side later losing in a penalty shootout.

Arteta described the injury as a “big worry” and mentioned that Jesus, 27, was in “a lot of pain.” Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the attacker will have surgery this week.

Arsenal’s statement read: “After being substituted during our match with Manchester United on Sunday, Gabriel Jesus underwent extensive assessments and scans, confirming an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Gabby will undergo surgery shortly and begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme. We will continue to provide updates and focus fully on supporting Gabby to regain his fitness as soon as possible.”

In response to the injury, Arsenal are reportedly looking to bolster their attacking options. The Gunners had an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic turned down. Juventus is open to letting him go for the right price, but Arsenal’s bid was unsuccessful.

Additionally, Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Swedish striker Alexander Isak has hit a setback as Newcastle insists that Isak is not available for transfer in January.

However, a more attainable target for the Gunners is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Arsenal insider Charles Watts has suggested that Mbeumo would be an “excellent fit” for the team at The Emirates, which could make him a strong candidate to reinforce their attack.

Mbeumo offers cover for Saka and Jesus

Already needing more cover for Bukayo Saka, things got worse for Arsenal over the weekend when Jesus was carried off against United, and the fact that Mbeumo can play out wide and through the middle makes him a perfect option for the Gunners.

Mbeumo’s brace against Southampton just over a week ago put him on 13 Premier League goals for the campaign, while he also makes a habit of scoring against the big boys too after strikes against Tottenham, Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal ths season – putting him behind only Mohamed Salah and Erling Harland in the top goalscorer standings.

And although Watts knows it will take big money for Brentford to consider selling their star man, a move to Arsenal could end up being pivotal to their hopes of securing silverware this term.

Indeed, Watts said: “Bryan Mbeumo is a fine player enjoying another excellent season for Brentford. Arsenal are believed to be one of a few top clubs keeping an eye on his progress, but Brentford would be very reluctant to let him go halfway through the season. It would take big, big money to get him out of west London this month.

“I do think he would be an excellent fit at Arsenal though, and if there was a chance to sign him this month, he would be a player that it would be worth overpaying slightly for. He knows the Premier League so would be ready to hit the ground running straight away, and would be able to slot straight into the hole on the right side of the attack that has been left vacant by the injured Bukayo Saka