Gabriel Magalhaes has revealed that Gabriel Jesus vowed to win the Premier League for Arsenal on his first day at the Gunners.
Jesus moved to the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City in the summer transfer window. He has since played a starring role in their Premier League title charge, scoring five goals and notching seven assists in the top-flight so far this campaign.
The Brazilian has only recently returned from an injury he suffered during the World Cup, which ruled him out for three months. Despite his absence, the Gunners were able to keep their title challenge on track and now sit eight points clear of closest challengers Manchester City.
That puts them in a commanding position heading into the final 10 games of the season, with Arsenal aiming to win their first title for 19 years. But according to Gabriel, Jesus has been confident that the Gunners would finish top of the league from his very first day.
He arrived at Arsenal in early July and quickly predicted that his new side would beat City to the title. Gabriel has now opened up on that conversation, which took place on Jesus' first day at the club.
"I think I pick Gabriel Jesus, because he's won the Premier League a lot, he's played a lot of games, he has big experience in this league," Gabriel told Premier League Uncut when asked to pick his favourite Brazilian attacker in the top-flight.
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"When he came to Arsenal, on the first day he looked at me and said 'this year if everyone works together, we will win this league'. He has good experience, takes this experience with the team, he speaks a lot for everyone. "
Jesus made his return to action in Arsenal's win over Fulham a fortnight ago, with that victory further boosting the Gunners' title hopes. And boss Mikel Arteta insisted after that game that Jesus would be key in the run-in.
“It’s a big boost, the first step today. We didn't know if it was the right game. He said to me a few days ago, 'I'm still missing something'. Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said: ‘I’m ready’. I said, 'OK!'" Arteta said.
"So then, we had the opportunity to throw him in. It's that first step to give him the big boost. He looks free, he looks ready and straight away he generated those two big chances. It's great to have him back."
"He has to earn his place like in any other team. We have alternatives who can play in different positions and we have different goals as well to fill in relation to the chemistry of the players and what we ask them to do.
"It's a great problem to have, believe me. He was so happy. He put a lot into the last few months and all the staff had spent hours together to try to fulfil all his needs. To see him there with a smile on his face was a joy, I was really happy for him."
