Arsenal legend confident that Gabriel Jesus has the potential to surpass Kai Havertz

Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva has a strong belief that Gabriel Jesus has the potential to reach greater heights than Kai Havertz, despite their differing levels of success this season.

After an up-and-down first season at the club since joining from Chelsea, Havertz has hit his stride under Mikel Arteta and usurped Jesus in the pecking order.

The German scored in the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Southampton before the international break to mark the seventh consecutive home game in which he has scored.

And should the 25-year-old score again at the Emirates in next week’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, Havertz would tie Thierry Henry’s record of scoring in eight consecutive home games.

Jesus, meanwhile, has endured another injury-affected start to the season and has managed to start just three games so far this campaign.

The Brazillian is into his third full season at the club since his move from Manchester City but has failed to prove a reliable attacking outlet, with his last goal coming back in January of this year against Nottingham Forest.

Despite that, former Gunners midfielder Silva believes that his fellow Brazillian can still become a better striker than Havertz if he’s able find a solution to his poor injury record.

‘Jesus has suffered a lot with injuries and that really gets in the way,’ he told bettingexpert.com. ‘You break your rhythm and you always have to start over. It’s a huge challenge for any player.

‘But injuries have had a big impact on Jesus’ loss of space, as he was out of action for a long time.

‘It also opened up space for Havertz, who played in positions where Jesus would have played. He ended up doing well there.

‘However, as a nine, Jesus has the potential to do more if he’s healthy. But Havertz came in so well that many people didn’t even think about his absences.’

Arsenal are back in action after the international break on Saturday as they travel to face Bournemouth.

The club have suffered an injury-affected fortnight with Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all picking up knocks while away on international duty.

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