Arsenal paid £ 45 million for Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. The 25-year-old joined Manchester City from Palmeiras for £ 27 million in 2017.
Jesus was unveiled as Arsenal’s new player on Monday after completing his medicals on Friday.
Gabriel Jesus scored 95 goals in 236 appearances for Manchester City winning four Premier League, four Carabao Cup, and the FA Cup. Jesus was signed as a replacement for Sergio Agero but the 25-year-old has lost his place in Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup with Guardiola always rotating his starling lineup.
The Gunner lost their two top strikers Alexandre Lacazette on a free transfer to Lyon and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined Barcelona in the winter transfer window on a free transfer after terminating his contract.
Mikel Arteta has worked with Gabriel Jesus at Manchester City and his relationship with the Brazilian international was a factor in the striker choosing Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he used to watch and follow Arsenal and French legend Thierry Henry.
What did Gabriel Jesus say?
In his first interview following his £ 45 million to Arsenal, Gabriel said: “I followed Arsenal when I was young because of [Thierry] Henry,” Jesus said. “I didn’t follow too many European teams but when I saw some of the players that played here, I was like “wow, this club is big.” When I played against Arsenal I was looking at the Emirates and it was a very good stadium, so I’m very excited to play here.
“I’m so happy to sign for this big club. From day one when I knew I could come to play for Arsenal, I was happy. I know the staff, I know some players, the Brazilian ones. I know there are a lot of top players. They are young and I’m still young as well, so I am so happy to be here to help. I come to help, to learn as well, and to try to do my best.”
Reacting to Gabriel Jesus’ signing, Mikel Arteta said: “I’m very excited. The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature. I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being successful here.
“This is a position that’s been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy.”
Arsenal technical Director Eduardo César Daud Gaspa added: “We are delighted that we have secured the transfer of Gabriel. Everyone who knows football well knows the qualities of Gabriel Jesus.
“Gabriel is a player who we have admired for a long time now. He is 25 years old and an established Brazil international who has consistently demonstrated that he is a player at a very high level. We look forward to seeing him join up with his new teammates ahead of the new season. We all welcome Gabriel to Arsenal.”
