Gabriel Jesus is expected to donn the no 9 jersey vacated by the former club captain, Alexandre Lacazette, who has returned to Liege 1 club, Lyon
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City striker, Gabriel Jesus was reportedly seen hugging the Gunners’ technical director, Edu in what suggests he might be completing his move from the Etihad to the Emirate in the coming days.
Gabriel Jesus has been linked with the North London club before the end of the 2022/23 season and Arsenal fans have grown impatient with the pace of the deal.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has agreed personal terms with Arsenal and Premier League champions, Manchester City, have also accepted a £45million bid for the striker.
According to Mirror, the striker was all smiles as he was greeted by Arsenal’s transfer chief, someone he may already be familiar with from Edu’s time as the director of the Brazilian national team
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His decision to join the Gunners is believed to be a function of his desire to gain more playing time ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup coming up in November.
Jesus, since joining City, has had to contend with bit-part roles during Sergio Aguero’s era at the club and Pep Guardiola’s decision to sign Erling Haaland and Julien Alvarez is likely to further push him down the pecking order.
He is, therefore, expected to pen down a five-year contract with the Gunners after completing his medicals, and will be expected to lead the London outfit attack.
If all the metric from his time at City, especially his goals return towards the end of last season is anything to go by, then, his signing should inspire hope from an Arsenal perspective.
Jesus will be donning the number nine shirt vacated by Frenchman and former club captain, Alexandre Lacazette, who returned to Liege 1 club, Lyon after 5 years at the Emirates.
Arsenal, who have already signed Portuguese midfielder, Fabio Vieira, Brazilian winger, Marquinhos, and American goalkeeper, Matt Turner.are not expected to show down even after sealing Jesus’ deal.
They are expected to return with more improved bids for Leeds United winger, Raphinha and Ajax Uruguayan defender, Lisandro Martinez, whose initial bids were rejected.