According to latest reports, Arsenal completed the signing of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. All parties have reached agreement over the long-awaited move as the player underwent a medical in North London today. All that remains is the announcement after Jesus put pen to paper to seal the deal.
Arsenal made the 25-year-old their top priority signing in this summer transfer window. The North London club had worked extensively with Jesus’ agent Marcelo Pettinati for the last six months to become the favourites to sign the player.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were also reportedly interested in the player’s services. There was one brief moment of shock when the Cityzens decided to offer Jesus to Chelsea to accelerate his sale. However, the Brazilian forward has chosen to move to the Emirates this summer.
It was reported last week that the Gunners have finally made a breakthrough in their negotiations for Jesus. As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal have agreed to pay a transfer fee of £45 million to Manchester City to secure the signature of Gabriel Jesus.
Now, The Guardian reports that the 25-year-old striker has agreed to personal terms offered by the North London side, signing a five-year-deal with the club. Jesus completed a medical today and signed the deal, with official announcement to come soon.
Medical successfully completed for Gabriel Jesus in London today as expected, he’s new Arsenal player until June 2027. It’s all signed and completed between clubs too. 🇧🇷 #AFC
Official statement pending – Gabriel joins for £45m fee from Man City.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2022
The Brazilian suffered a severe lack of game-time at the Etihad Stadium. Manager Pep Guardiola preferred to play a system where Jesus was not the right fit. At times, he also deployed the striker on the right-wing which is not his favoured position. At Arsenal, he will be a direct entry into the team sheet and that too in his favoured position.
Gabriel Jesus was already contemplating a move to leave City even before Arsenal had made their first offer. But the Manchester club announcing the signing of Erling Haaland accelerated the process. Moving to the Emirates could be a good opportunity for him to revive his Premier League career.
Moreover, the striker will have a point to prove to the club and Pep Guardiola and he certainly has the capability to hurt the reigning Premier League Champions next season. His English top-flight experience will help him get settled in North London quickly.
The best bits of @gabrieljesus9's 2021/22 🇧🇷🤙#ManCity pic.twitter.com/oczJxSUvXl
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 26, 2022
Arsenal have already signed Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos and now, Jesus. Meanwhile, United States’ national team goalkeeper Matt Turner joined the Gunners this week on Monday, having reached an agreement to sign him in the winter transfer window.
The Gunners know how crucial the Jesus signing will be as buying a quality striker has been a priority for them since January. The loss of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cost them the necessary depth upfront which made them lose out on the top-four finish in the recently concluded season. In addition, Alexandre Lacazette has moved to Lyon in this window, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the only striker in the squad right now.
What Should Arsenal Do To Get The Best Out Of Gabriel Jesus?
Gabriel Jesus is most likely to play as a lone striker in Mikel Arteta’s setup. The Spaniard could involve the forward in the play-making process instead of using him as an out-and-out striker or a goal-poacher. For that to work fluently, Arsenal will need a few more recruitments which will help the Brazilian perform to the best of his abilities.
The Gunners have already signed Fabio Vieira but he is not a guaranteed starter and will have to fight for a place in the starting XI. Arsenal have their right-wing sorted with Bukayo Saka as their go-to player on the right-hand side. However, Arteta will have to plan accordingly to get the best out of both Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe on the left-hand side. Whereas, Martin Odegaard has already been the standout player this season.
Nevertheless, the North London club will have to do something about their over-reliance on Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder may not be available for all the games throughout the season. Arsenal will need a good backup player if and when Partey needs to rest.
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Additionally, the Gunners will also have to bring in reinforcements in the midfield as they look to replace Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international has had a bad record with red cards at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta could use some more energy and discipline in his starting lineup.
Moreover, he might also need a few good backup options for his defensive line. Gabriel Jesus will need the right support from his surrounding players to thrive. It was always the case at Manchester City and Arsenal should try to replicate that in London too.
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