The former Gunners striker fears for Jesus’ game-time after Arsenal spent £64m to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. Arsenal signed Jesus from Manchester City in 2022 and the £45m signing was initially a key member of Arteta’s squad, making 69 appearances during his first two seasons at the Emirates Stadium.

Gyökeres only had 14 touches of the ball and a single shot on target as Arsenal, as a whole, struggled with Villarreal’s counterattacking. Arteta was asked by reporters afterwards if the former Coventry City forward would be ready for the visit to Old Trafford later this month.