Gabriel Jesus, who was recently acquired by Arsenal for approximately £45 million ($54 million), has set his sights on emulating his childhood hero Thierry Henry.
Jesus, who had 95 goals in 236 games for City, decided to leave the Premier League champions in search of more consistent first-team action and has now agreed to a “long-term contract” with Arsenal.
The Brazil international admitted that he was a lifelong Arsenal supporter as a child, having been enthralled by Henry during the France star’s prosperous time in north London.
Jesus will now take Henry’s place as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack.
Because of Henry, I supported Arsenal when I was a kid, Jesus claimed.
“I didn’t follow many European teams, of course, but I thought, “Wow, this club is big,” when I saw some of the players who played here.
“I’m overjoyed to join this prestigious club. I have been happy ever since I found out I could play for Arsenal.
“I am acquainted with the staff and some Brazilian players. I am aware that there are many elite athletes.”
If Jesus stayed at City past the end of his contract year, it was predicted that he would drop down the pecking order because the champions have added Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to their roster of strikers.
Mikel Arteta, who served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking over at the Emirates Stadium, and he are reunited.
“I’m extremely happy. The team did a fantastic job luring a player of this calibre, “Added Arteta.
“Gabriel is someone I personally know well, and we all recognise him well from his time in the Premier League and his tremendous success in this country.
“We have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy. This is a position that has been on our radar for a long time.”
