Arsenal Legends Paul Merson and Charlie Nicholas have thrown their weight behind Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to sign Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bring Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to the Emirates this summer. Oleksandr Zinchenko who is normally deployed as a left-back by Pep Guardiola is a versatile player that can play as both a number 8 and 10.
While Gabriel Jesus is identified as Mikel Arteta’s number one priority this summer to fill their striking position after the departure of Alexandre lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last season. However, Arsenal faces huge competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid, with the player also preferring a team playing in the Champions League.
What did Charlie Nicholas say about Gabriel Jesus?
In an interview with Bonus Codes Bets, the former Arsenal player said: “Under Pep Guardiola he wasn’t a favorite and didn’t always play, but if they get him at a decent price, I’d be amazed if he doesn’t score at least 20 goals in the league for Arsenal.
“That’s what Jesus likes to do. He likes to play around the edge of the box, with a lovely burst of pace, and that’s what Arsenal misses. It would be a very good signing if they could nail him down.”
Meanwhile, Paul Merson has also backed Arsenal’s move for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Writing in a column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson said: “Zinchenko doesn’t play all the time for City, but he’s been a top player for Guardiola and never looks out of place regardless of where he is deployed on the pitch.
“For Ukraine, he plays as a central midfielder and looks like a proper footballer who can make a difference at any point in the game.
“A lot of people don’t speak about this, but Zinchenko sort of changed the game for Manchester City after coming on against Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.
“He had a hand in the first goal and got the crowd going with his work rate and determination, which is exactly what you want to see.
“Not just in that game, but he doesn’t let the fans or the manager down and is a brilliant player to have amongst the squad.
“I think a few top teams will look to buy him this summer because he isn’t a guaranteed starter for Manchester City.
“Zinchenko doesn’t get the credit he deserves and would be a proper addition to any team in world football, it’ll be interesting to see where he lands up.”
Arsenal missed out on Champions League football last season after finishing two points less than fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspurs.
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad this summer with aim of mounting a proper top four challenge next season.
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