Gabrriel Jesus is an Arsenal player. Well, barring a club announcement, anyway.
And he is the striker we have been waiting for.
This latest signing is the biggest indicator yet that Edu, Arteta and the club mean business when they talk about getting the Arsenal back to where we belong.
The £45m (plus add-ons) acquisition of the Brazil striker highlights the ambition we have in aiming for a return to contention. Some may have forgotten the talent Jesus has thanks to his extended stay on the City bench but let’s remind ourselves of what kind of player we’re getting.
Jesus’ strike rate, when starting, is among the best in the business. 25 goals in 41 appearances last season. 17 G/A in the Premier League alone, with only 21 starts.
Last season? 23 starts, 13 G/A. Overalll, over the last two seasons, Jesus has 43 G/A in 60 starts.
The kid is the finishing touch to the melting pot of creativity we have in our ranks.
Jesus can apply the full stop to the assists coming from Odegaard, Saka, ESR, Martinelli and now Fabio Vieira. His fitness record indicates he can go a full season without concern too, which is always a worry for new Arsenal recruits. He has only missed 33 games since the 2017/18 season. And after playing predominantly from the bench and sporadically for City, the 25 year old striker is ready for a full season.
This is a signing to really get excited about. Reports surrounding Gabriel tell of a player able to play to his full potential when trust is invested in him. Well, he will get that starring role he’s dreamed of since leaving Palmeiras back in 2017.
There were plenty of suitors for Jesus, yet he believed in the project Arteta is building, despite us missing out on Champions League football. His bond with former City coach Arteta speaks volumes and with a healthy contingent of Brazilians already at the club and the opportunity to really show what he can do? The Arsenal was always the best choice for him.
Our defence is the healthiest it’s been in years. We now have an attack that can score enough goals to aim for the top4 again. And in midfield, we have a fair amount of options to switch things up (although when Partey is missing we don’t have an adequate replacement). We have a squad now that, if they follow Arteta’s teachings on the pitch, can really achieve great things.
Let’s not get carried away, the gap between us and the top two is gargantuan. But signings like Jesus are a signal of intent that we are not content to be duking it out for scraps. Gabrriel Jesus is a prime target and would fit into most elevens across the world.
With Eddie signed up to a new long-term deal and an able deputy to change games, we have plenty in the tank to worry teams.
And now Jesus is in our ranks – and we couldn’t be happier.
What do you think – can Jesus help us kick on next season? How will he fit into the side? And do you think we need much more to compete at the top? Comments below!
Up The Arsenal 
Couldn’t agree more. I like how the forward line that Arteta has put together are interchangable, too. With Saliba staying and perhaps the acquisition of one more midfielder, we could have a very good season.
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Very optimistic!
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I did say “could”!
I am still unconvinced by Arteta’s tactics, or lack thereof, but I think his principles are in the right place. For example, I don’t think Guendouzi’s ability is in question, but clearly he is a disruptive influence and that doesn’t slide with the vision. Maybe it demonstrates that Arteta isn’t a strong enough personality to control or at least contain those types of players, but acknowledging that and not opening yourself up to it in the first place is at least admirable.
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