Gabriel Jesus has vowed to put the “team first” after being moved to an unfamiliar position in Arsenal’s title charge.
Mikel Arteta deployed the Brazilian forward on the wing in recent weeks to cover for Gabriel Martinelli’s injury, despite Jesus telling the manager and director Edu Gaspar that he wanted to play down the middle as a No9.
Now on Brazil duty ahead of their World Cup qualifiers, the 26-year-old has given his verdict on his position change.
“Edu and Arteta spoke to me,” he told reporters. “And I made it clear that I’d like to play No9.
“That was Arsenal’s idea, for me to play No9, with freedom.
“This season has been different, we’ve had injuries and in the last few games we’ve played three up front.
“For a while, I thought I’d just say I wanted to play at No9, but I’m here to help the team. I’m blessed by God to have this talent and the versatility to play in all three forward positions.”
Martinelli’s return from injury off the bench last time out, to score the winner against Manchester City, could prompt Jesus to move back into the middle for the trip to Chelsea after the international break.
However, Bukayo Saka’s issues that led to him dropping out of England contention may force another rethink from Arteta, who also has Leandro Trossard down as a doubt.
