Jesus was apparently concerned he would be limited to cameo appearances with the likes of Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Richarlison at Spurs
By Kehinde Okeowo
Gabriel Jesus completed his £45 million deal move from the Etihad to the Emirates on Monday, June 4, after weeks of speculation and days after completing his medical.
The Brazil striker’s move from Manchester City to Arsenal came after both Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had left for Lyon and Barcelona respectively, leaving Mikel Arteta short of options in attack.
Prior to Gabriel Jesus signing, the Gunners had no other first-team striker other than Eddie Nketiah who was not seen as back up and with plenty of games for the North London club now that they are in Europe, securing the signature of the Brazilian was a no brainer.
However, the strength of the Spurs attack has been reported as the key factor in Gabriel Jesus’s decision to sign for Arsenal instead of their north London rivals.
ALSO READ: Arteta influenced my decision to join Arsenal, says Gabriel Jesus
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the Brazilian was apparently concerned he would once again be limited to cameo appearances with the likes of Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and now Richarlison at Spurs’ disposal.
He took to Twitter on Monday, June 4, to explain Gabriel’s decision-making process as he wrote, “60 of Jesus’ EPL appearances at #MCFC came from the bench, and he scored just five goals. Jesus had #UCL football option at Spurs but was worried his role would be the same as at Manchester City.”
Ben Jacobs’s position, however, negates the reason given by the Brazilian for joining Arsenal. According to him, he signed for the club because of the relationship he had established with the Gunners’ gaffer, Mikel Arteta, while they were at the Etihad.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, 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”
Spurs and Arsenal have been busy in this summer’s transfer window, while the Lilywhites have signed Ivan Perisic, Richarlison, Fraser Forster, and Yves Bissouma, Arsenal have captured the signatures of Matt Turner, Marquinhos, and Fabio Vieira prior to securing the services of Jesus.