According to reports, Arsenal will soon announce the signing of Brazil international striker Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
Make no mistake, this is a huge signing for Arsenal for a number of reasons. Signing the No.9 from the reigning Premier League champions is a statement of intent.
With the recruitment of Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal are declaring that they are back at the top table. With four Premier League titles to his name, Gabriel Jesus will bring an elite mentality to the Gunners attack.
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As well as that, his profile makes perfect sense in an attack that struggled for fluency last season. Alexandre Lacazette’s departure wasn’t mourned by the fans, largely due to his physical limitations.
However, when he was fit for a period last season, he provided the perfect focal point for Arsenal’s young attackers to thrive. The issue was he couldn’t keep it up for more than a few games.
Jesus is 25 and can do everything Lacazette did and more. He can play center forward, false nine and on the wings.
Crucially, he also provides a goal threat, which Lacazette couldn’t manage alongside being a focal point and auxiliary midfielder. The idea of Jesus linking up with Saka, Martinelli, Smith-Rowe and Odegaard is tantalizing.
As well as that, it’s a good move for Jesus. The striker has been criticized for not being prolific enough in front of goal, but we can expect that to improve at the Emirates.
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He is coming into his prime years, and Mikel Arteta can give him a nailed on starting position. At Manchester City, he was one of many incredible players. At Arsenal, he will be the main man.
With a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad to play for, you can bet Jesus will be motivated to hit the ground running.
After years of Lacazette, Aubameyang and Pepe – three good players who couldn’t actually play together, Arsenal may be returning to having a fearsome attack once again.
