Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has tipped £45million signing Gabriel Jesus to replicate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's feat of scoring at least 20 goals in a Premier League season.
Jesus made the move to the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City and became the Gunners' fourth summer signing before Oleksandr Zinchenko followed the Brazilian to north London just weeks later. The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar pre-season campaign, scoring seven goals in his first five games and bagging his first hat-trick in the 6-0 win over Sevilla to round off preparations for the Premier League season.
Despite not scoring against Crystal Palace in the 2-0 win at Selhurst Park, Jesus caught the eye with his direct approach and trickery in and around the penalty box, with Rio Ferdinand labelling the Brazilian as 'unreal'. Ferdinand is not alone in his praise for the Arsenal star with Silvestre tipping Jesus to score 20 goals as a minimum this season.
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Jesus scored 95 goals in all competitions for Manchester City during his five-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, but the former France international believes the Brazilian striker can have an even bigger impact in north London. Speaking to bettingexpert, Silvestre said: "I think he (Gabriel Jesus) should score in the 20s. 20 goals should be his mark this season, minimum.
"It's an interesting one because a lot of the time he is outside of the box, drifting left and right. A lot of time on the right, but he ends up scoring a lot of goals in the box.
"I think that’s what Arsenal needed with the Aubameyang situation, and Lacazette leaving as well. It’s an excellent signing."
Mikel Arteta rotated between Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah following Aubameyang's departure in January, with goals mainly coming from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Silvestre believes the relationship between the latter and Jesus could be crucial to Arsenal's success in the future.
"His [Jesus] energy and the dynamic with (Gabriel) Martinelli with them speaking the same language, he’s going to have a big impact if he stays fit because he’s also someone who doesn’t shy away from challenges," Silvestre added. "Sometimes, you feel like he’s on the edge and certainly gives 100% all the time."
Jesus will be looking to score his first official goal for the Gunners this weekend when Arteta's side take on Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.
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