Arsenal could be set to face a centre forward crisis due to the injury suffered by Brazilian Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup.

Initially only to be ruled out until January, he now might require surgery on his knee and the striker could face around three months out, which will be a major blow to Mikel Arteta and his side.

There is no doubt the Spaniard was looking to add a couple of fresh faces in January to boost his squad ahead of what could be the most important season in the club’s recent history, however his priorities will have to change.

A move for a forward who can replace Jesus will now be the main focus, and Arteta should certainly be eyeing a move for compatriot Marco Asensio, especially as they may be able to sign him for a bargain fee.

According to Calciomercato, Juventus and AC Milan are chasing Asensio, however, Arsenal are firmly in the mix for the Spaniard, and with his contract expiring next year, they could secure him for a lower transfer fee than expected.

Arsenal have been linked with the player previously, however, a need for a Jesus replacement could give Arteta a perfect licence to sign the Real Madrid star in January.

The 26-year-old has had just 426 minutes of action for the La Liga side spread across 15 matches, although he has contributed well when chosen, scoring three goals and grabbing three assists and he has even netted at the World Cup, scoring in Spain’s 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica in their first group stage match.

The £162k-per-week player is usually deployed on the wing, although with his goalscoring instincts and ability, there’s no reason that Arteta can't make him the focal point of his attack in the absence of Jesus.

Having won three Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns during his team with Madrid, Asensio would bring a winners mentality to the north London side and this could be pivotal heading toward the final few months of the season with the club in contention for trophies.

Casemiro lavished praise upon his former teammate, describing him as “magical” and having amassed 79 goal contributions in 250 games for his current side, the praise is certainly justified.

Arteta will now need to act swiftly to ensure he has the required firepower to sustain a title challenge, and Asensio could be the ideal option to replace their ailing Brazilian.