-Ikenna Okafor
Arsenal have confirmed the £45million signing of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian agreeing a five-year contract at the Emirates.
The Gunners announced the move on Monday morning, with a video welcoming the Brazil international to north London.
Jesus becomes Mikel Arteta’s fourth signing of the summer after landing Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner, but the Brazil international is the Gunners’ marquee name and the man who fans will hope can fire them to the top four.
The 25-year-old, who has taken the No 9 shirt, had interest from both Chelsea and Tottenham, but has opted to join Arsenal, who were in desperate need of a new forward after Alexandre Lacazette left on a free transfer to return to Lyon.
Speaking on his move, Jesus told the club’s official website: ‘I followed Arsenal when I was young because of [Thierry] Henry. 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.
The signing of Jesus will be a welcome boost to Arteta then, and he’ll hope his quality up front can make Arsenal one of the leading contenders to secure Champions League football and challenge for honours.
Jesus’ arrival will be complemented by the signing of midfield playmaker Vieira, who has come in from Porto – with the Gunners already significantly ramping up their attacking options.
Vieira scored seven times last season and provided 15 assists in the Portuguese league – so there is already optimism he can give Arsenal a creative spark and link up well with Jesus.
Jesus – who is famous for his telephone call celebration – has picked up 56 caps for Brazil, scoring 19 times and will be eager to start the season in electric form to boost his hopes of starting at the World Cup in Qatar this November.
Arsenal turns to Jesus :announces £45m deal