Expert salutes Gabriel Jesus transformation after what he’s seen at Arsenal – ‘it’s a masterstroke’
Noel Whelan has claimed the signing of Gabriel Jesus looks to be a “masterstroke” after his explosive start to life at Arsenal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old looks like a “different animal” for the Gunners after often being pushed out wide by Pep Guardiola.
Jesus notched two goals and two assists in his home debut for Arsenal as they beat Leicester City 4-2 on Saturday (13 August).
The Gunners reportedly put in almost six months of work to ensure they were in pole position for the former Man City star this summer – and completed his £45million arrival last month.
Jesus has already won four Premier League titles and has notched 60 top-flight goals – all coming from inside the 18-yard box.
Whelan claimed the Brazil star is “involved in everything positive” for Arteta’s side at present after their back-to-back wins so far this term.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a masterstroke for Arsenal.
“They identified someone who was going to get them goals after Lacazette and Aubameyang had left, and he was the right fit.
“Right now, Jesus looks like a different animal altogether and a different player. We saw what he’s producing now in glimpses at Man City – but he’s now being so positive, spending a lot of time in that 18-yard box.
“He’s involved in everything positive for Arsenal, but he’s not dropping back.
“He’s leading that line with a lot of confidence, and that’s what we didn’t see from him at City.
“Arteta’s role for him is fitting like a glove at the moment.”
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