Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners have been keen to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window following the decision to allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Catalan giants Barcelona back in January. Fellow frontman Alexandre Lacazette has also left for former club Lyon, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the only recognised centre-forward in the senior setup.
football.london revealed back in April that Jesus was one name on the club's shortlist of profiles and technical director Edu had held talks with the player's representatives over the last few months.
READ MORE: Nicolas Pepe transfer decision made as Edu dealt transfer dilemma amid clear Mikel Arteta plan
Now, the north Londoners have officially unveiled the Brazilian international as their fourth signing of the summer - following deals for fellow countryman Marquinhos, Portugal Under-21 star Fabio Vieira and American goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Following the announcement, the club released an interview containing Jesus' first words as a Gunner. Jesus has revealed that he's excited to work with Mikel Arteta again after the Spaniard coached him at City.
Giving an insight into the pair’s recent discussions, he said: “We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future. I believe 100 per cent in Mikel. I had a very good time with him before, he’s a very good guy and a very good coach as well.
“He helped me a lot [at Manchester City]. We would always stick together after the training sessions and do some finishing or something. He’s a very intelligent guy and was an amazing player, so if he knows something he can teach me or the young players.”
Jesus also stated that he was a huge fan of Thierry Henry growing up, whilst the size of the club is what tempted him into joining.
“I followed Arsenal when I was young because of [Thierry] Henry,” he added. “Obviously 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. Since 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.”
Plus, in what is a big statement from the Gunners, Jesus is already a proven winner, having won four Premier League titles, four domestic trophies, a Copa America and an Olympic Gold already in his career. He's insisted he wants to bring that winning mentality to the Emirates.
“Since my first day at a professional team with Palmeiras I had that mentality which comes from inside of me, my heart. I started to play to win with Palmeiras, then the Brazilian Olympic team and national team, and then City.
“We have to go at it with everyone together, there’s no other way to win things. When you have a good relationship outside of the pitch, inside works automatically, and that’s my mentality.”
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