Written by Sam Hardy

With Gabriel Jesus’ transfer to Arsenal looking fairly imminent, subject to the agreement of his contract in North London, what can Arsenal fans realistically expect from their new Number 9? Well, you’re in the right place to find out.

Gabriel Jesus has almost won it all since joining Manchester City, back in the January transfer window of 2017, apart from that all elusive Champions League Trophy, with 4 Premier League titles to his name, as well as scoring 95 goals during his time as a Cityzen. Jesus has also provided his teammates with 46 assists, playing in almost every attacking position in Pep Guardiola’s system, with the majority of his time working in the False 9 role but has also operated on the Left and Right wing. Due to growing up in Sao Paulo, Jesus naturally brings the South American flair to the team, which suits Arsenal perfectly. The likes of Martin Odegaard playing in the 10 behind him as well as Saka and Smith-Rowe on the wings means he will fit in nicely after the loss of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang to Barcelona because of an issue that may not ever be fully known by the general media between him and Mikel Arteta.

Jesus won’t be the only Brazilian in Arsenal’s forward line next season, with wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli gearing up for another season in North London as well as Leeds United winger Raphinha touted to make the move in a switch that could cost Arsenal a fee in the region of £70M but face competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Spanish giants Barcelona who may not be able to afford a deal due to such heavy debts. Jesus will be competing with youngster Eddie Nketiah for that central striker role if the move is completed. Nketiah was set to move away from North London this summer with the expiration of his contract, however that was recently renewed due to a spark in form at the end of the season. The English forward has taken the famous Number 14 shirt, worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, which has undoubtably caused a lot of discussion on social media.

City’s number 9 has made centre stage for his country, winning over 50 caps and scoring 19 goals. He has played in the 2018 World cup alongside appearances in the 2019 and 2021 Copa America, and he will be hoping that a move to Arsenal will boost his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar come November.